Oh If I Could Have Their Undivided Attention, Once More
I empathized with the mom who saw her kids growing up fast and wrote 24 lessons I want to teach my daughter before she leaves home. Our kids are long gone, and I still have lessons I wish I could teach!
Our kids left home long ago; they have spouses and their own children, and are busy with their own lesson plans. Still, this is sure a different kind of world than we ever imagined for them. So, I’ve thought of a few things I wish I could convey.
If I could have their undivided attention for just one more time, here’s what I wish I could teach our kids, even though the time for teaching is long past.
I Was A Long Time Learning Theses Lessons
- You is kind, you is smart, you is important. So is your spouse; so are your kids.
- God is real . . . He’s never turns a deaf ear to a heart-felt cry, and the Bible is worth reading, knowing, and obeying and applying.
- LOVE, for you have been and are deeply loved.
- Know what you believe about big stuff and why; keep learning, even stuff you think you know.
- Don’t get talked into anything you don’t understand.
- Ask questions.
- Practice praying – until it becomes like breathing.
- If anything seems wrong . . . out of whack . . . dodgy . . . it probably is. Trust your instincts – Yellow lights in your head are important; but,
- Keep an open mind about little and big stuff.
- Never pretend you know what you are doing when you don’t.
- Don’t choke on the words,I was wrong, please forgive me.
- Forgive, as you have been forgiven.
- If you have your health, you have everything. Do not neglect yourself!
- Keep your marriage vows – if you don’t know how, don’t ever be ashamed to ask for help!
- Your kids are the most valuable treasure you are asked to steward – be ready to turn them over to God when He calls for them.
- Read, read, read – especially if you have no time – read for pleasure, understanding, information, and just because you can.
- Be teachable – even in situations where you are smarter and more knowledgeable.
- Do art!
- Learn to do things you never thought you could!
- Listen to the cares of those you love, and who love you.
- Don’t think you have to solve their problems, or can.
- Do your best, even if no one notices or cares.
- Serve rather than expecting to be served.
- Manage well your gifts and talents and resources –if you don’t know how, don’t ever be ashamed to ask for help!
- Err on the side of forbearance, compassion, and generosity – but, be wise. (Wisdom is fearing God and shunning evil.)
Gold, Pure Gold