Raising kids is no easy task. It takes a lifetime of nurturing, properly teaching them right from wrong. You ask them to always be honest no matter what. You ask them to tell you everything when something is bothering them hoping that your experience will help them accept and overcome the challenge at hand. You inspire as much as you have time and hope that you are trying your own best to be a good example to them. And you know they watch and hear every single thing you do and say and will repeat it exactly in their own lifetimes. Tricky isn't it.
Manners are a ballgame all on their own. The biggest most important thing about your public behavior is this. The way you act and react, which is a much bigger deal to teach them not to do, shows how much you respect others and is a direct reflection of you.
If you gossip, eventually you will tell someone who will not only stand up to you and confront you never to repeat what you have just said to them, but you will find that others along the way will suddenly find the strength to confront you as well and it is a bitter taste to swallow. Suddenly you will see what they have been looking at all along and your reflection can be startling.
If you are kind and honest, you will never have to constantly remember what you told everyone and get caught in a web that will eventually be your own destruction with you as it's creator and you alone. Instead, you will receive many compliments of grandeur and delight and people will flock to you asking for advice or simple company for a moment or two because what they reflect of you is beautiful and inspiring.
Crude and rude behavior, people will think you were never taught but you and I both know we try to teach this but not all will listen or accept. Sitting up straight and carrying yourself with confidence will make others around you feel your strength and those who seek to hurt you in any way will hesitate.
My children have been taught, since preschool, empathy. Empathy is much more than kindess or sympathy. It's like receiving a wonderful filter when others are honest in ways that might upset them. They are quick to filter out the bad and give them the benefit of the doubt. The biggest part of empathy, is forgiveness. The willingness to quickly forgive and forget as the Savior did. To turn the other cheek and allow them to strike away at you willingly accepting their anger against you and praying for their souls. It doesn't make you weak. It is the opposite effect. You are strong and refuse to give in to the adversary who wittles you down to nothing one little piece at a time. You will never notice it unless you are looking for it. He is that clever and walks right beside the path of righteousness convincing you that everyone else does it, you're fine. He lies.
I will accept your ridicule, your indecencies, your cruel intentions of spite and arrogance. I will also accept your love, your forgiveness, your joy and inspirations if you were only but willing to share them with me. I will accept your pain and make it my own, struggle with you, cry with you, plead with you to God for help. I will accept your happiness and excitement, your laughter and triumphs, smiling with delight. I will love you and forgive you for the Lord taught me that. I will challenge you to think further on topics you struggle with regardless of your anger or offense. Be not easily offended. Do not judge others lest ye be judged, for the same mete you judge others thou shalt be judged. Love one another. Be not araid to offend others if you stand for truth and righteousness. Always......follow your heart.
Happy New Year. I wish you all the eternal blessings and joys this world has to offer. May you always find the good in others and have courage to stand for what's right according to what you believe and never waver.
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