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Before you grow up…
By Christina Quick | December 31, 2007
I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions, but the start of another year is a good time to ponder life.
At the beginning of the school year, I challenged my kids to make a list of things they’d like to do before they grow up. I was impressed at their thoughtful responses. Here are some of the things they listed:
• Play an instrument.
• Make a science project.
• Learn something most people don’t know.
• Win first place at something.
• Catch a world record fish.
• Visit the Bronx Zoo.
• Learn French.
• Take a vacation to the Grand Canyon.
• Get a dog.
• Live on a farm.
• See a live whale, dolphin and manatee.
• Go to a place where nature lives. (My daughter defines this as an area where there are no visible signs of human intrusion.)
I look forward to helping them realize some of their dreams in the months and years ahead. We checked off at least one item from the list in November when we brought home Buddy, our adorable sheltie puppy.
As I contemplate a trip to Arizona, Sea World or the Alaskan outback, I’m also thinking about the direction these children are heading in their lives and considering my own list of goals for them. There are countless places I’d like to take them and things I hope we can share together before they leave home. But above all, I want to give them:
• A good name.
• A positive example.
• A solid understanding of God’s Word.
• Assurance that they are loved and valued.
• The knowledge that they can do anything God wants them to do.
• The ability to think for themselves rather than believing everything they’re told.
• Compassion for others.
• The courage to stand up for what they know is right.
• Tolerance for imperfections — in themselves and those around them.
• Tools for seeking solutions instead of dwelling on problems.
• A safe place to grow and learn, dream and discover.
• Freedom to laugh and play.
• Wonderful memories.
What do you hope to share with your kids during these wonder years?
Topics: Parenting |
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I love it. When I go home tonight I think I’ll take your lead and ask my kids what they’d like to do before they grow up. We’ll compare notes. And I wish for my children the same things that you’ve listed as well.
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I would love my sons to understand the truth in Ephesians Chapter 1-that they are loved, accepted, chosen. I want them to rest secure that they are “fearfully and wonderfully” made and be free to walk the path that the Lord ordained for them before the foundation of the world. Alas, if they could break free of the ‘comparison” game ! The world puts so much emphasis on accomplishments-it’s hard for kids not to fall into that trap of trying to earn approval by their efforts. My prayer-my sons would know that they have value because the Lord loves them and made them in His image,that they don’t have to earn the Father’s love.