a path
There are so many different paths we can choose to follow or not follow in our culture. We have so many freedoms that we take for granted daily. One of which as parents is the right to parent our children how we see fit. As long as we abide by the laws, the philosophy and moral code is up to us to teach our children. We can be selfish and self serving or we can be selfless and generous. In all likelihood the examples we set for our children will be mirrored by them in the future.
In a book I am reading the girl says to her mother “Why didn’t you raise us with a concept of God or faith?” The mom’s response was “I guess I thought you would find your way to it eventually.” That philosophy of child rearing truly upset me. We as parents are given the most precious gift of parenting. We have an intricate responsibility to teach and guide our children in ways that will aid them in their futures. If we choose not to teach our children about God and faith how can we expect “you will find your way”?
Being a parent is a vocation from God just like a religious person such as a priest or a minister is called to religious life a parent is called to parenting. We need to truly embrace our roles as parents in this life. We need to love that child otherwise they will not know how to love. We need to forgive so they understand forgiveness. We need to show them our own faith, beliefs and God. If they are to choose a path in this life they must be shown that different paths exist. We cannot assume that someday they will learn that somewhere else.
Today, consider the example you are setting for your child by the way you live your life. Is that example how you want your child to live their life in the future? You cannot say do as I say not as I do, it just doesn’t work that way. None of us will ever be perfect but we can always strive to be the best person we can be. Are you loving, teaching and guiding your child to a path that you believe is the best path possible for that child? It is your responsibility as a parent to figure it out!
