If there is one thing my children will remember me by- that would be how I harp on about the importance of virtue in life. I think I will never, ever tire of reminding (not nagging) them about hope, compassion, love, authenticity and all things synonymous to virtue. Call me old fashion- and heck, maybe I am too but if 'old school' means trying to preserve the very thing that sets us apart from being animals, then yes I will own that label and wear it proudly on my sleeve. I hope the seed I have been planting all these years find good soil, esp. when it's time for them to go out into the real world...I pray, when they get disheartened or burdened or tried they will remember that there is hope, there is love and that they become willing souls to pour out the same virtues when others are in need of it. That would be my crown and my joy.
I have been pondering lately about these things because one day I looked at my eldest and she is a kid no longer (sigh!)...and one by one they will grow up...it is well and good but my heart dread the day when it will just be Peter and me, (psychologists call it the empty nest syndrome), gives me shivers already- ha,ha,ha. No squabbling, no giggles, no midnight chatters, hmmm, makes me sad just thinking about it. I thought- what would be the best thing I could give them? but I realized that all the material things would be of little value or rather- all temporal; the good things I was instilling in them is by far, the best gift I could ever give because it will last them a lifetime. I hope I have set a good example.
One of my girls is a bit funny, she loves food ;) she loves to eat but she just won't cook- would not attempt to cook! so this summer I will teach her how to cook simple meals til she gets the basics right. I am so looking forward to that despite the grimace painted on her face (LOL). No daughter of mine will leave home without knowing how to prepare a proper meal, their husbands will thank me for it (wink!) ha,ha,ha...that would be my summer goal ;) sounds like a plan already eh?
I had to do some thinking and judging from your email, you are in NewZealand ? I saw those animal parks visiting my son in England. It is very nice for the kids. Here in South africa we are starting to catch on. At our home we can walk to the farm over the road but the city kids need to see the animals.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, good luck with teaching your daughter to cook. I never really learned but Hubby survived.
I will give you a shout on blogcatalog.
me again. Our www lines are so slow the picture loaded after I entered my comment.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the beautiful picture of "simple pleasures" - I had to smile a naughty smile. oh-yes. Simple pleasures can be different things and that picture is from a very romantic time, ... the rich did not have much else to do and all was not so innocent. ;~D
It's so refreshing to hear a parent talk about virtues when it comes to raising children. There's just so many pitfalls and detours for kids. If our kids don't perceive us as old fashioned, then we may not be providing a solid enough foundation.
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