Decisions

When I was in high school, I had the idea that every action I take now is going to be a gift for my future kids. It’s like A present I’m preparing for them and one day when I have kids every action I take is going to come out of that box and they are going to receive it. Either bad or good. I wish I knew then what I know now that what ever is important you need to keep it in front of you. What you keep in front of you is what is engraved subconsciously. 

I made some mistakes that I wish I didn’t and because I didn’t place that phrase before my eyes and engrave it in my mind, some regret ensues. This phrase was only in my head for a while during my teen years. In fact, it only came back to my memory as I started writing this post. (Which is a powerful idea in its self for another post another day) The reason I remembered this is because of the actions I’m still struggling with. I am facing the sobering fact that my kids mimic what they see in me. Every action I take is a present to my kids. What actions do I want to present to my kids? They are going to receive whatever it is I give them. 

And if you have kids then you probably notice the same thing. If you haven’t connected the dots yet then let me give you a pencil. If you haven’t had kids yet then start working on yourself now and keep that thought before you. 

It’s not easy but we must all be growing and getting better intentionally. For us to have a better tomorrow we need to make today a great one. Including all our actions. Let’s put out actions of kindness and grace, forgiveness and gentleness, let’s be slow to anger and be peacemakers, be more giving and and be generous with encouragement. 

The reality is that we are all more like our parents than we think. Our family of origins has a huge impact on our current life and family. Kids without question learn what is seen more than what is verbalized to them. The next time I am about to say or do something I’m going to ask myself, is this something I want to give to my kids? And by the way, family presents can always be passed down generation after generation. What are you going to give your kids and grandkids?