Doug Fields in his book "Refuel" put into words so wonderfully my goal for my family..
"As I grow older, my desire for doing something great has decreased. Now, it's more about being great inwardly. I want to have a great character and let the actions of my life overflow from that depth. Nowadays I want to be a great friend, a great parent, and a great lover of life. I want to be skilled at showing compassion, celebrated for kindness, and adept at loving God and living for Him both at church and away from it.
Perhaps when you hear the word greatness, you equate it with having your dream job and lots of money, vacations in the south of France, and an ice cream maker within arm's reach of your bathtub. Okay, but I'd love to point you in the direction of actually developing greatness, something that's measured by your life and character rather then your status, stuff, and savings. "
In my book, character is everything, it says everything about you.... and unfortunately, so many people these days are lacking true character. They are swayed by the wind, by the mighty dollar, by whatever brings them what they want. Their beliefs and morals are easily tossed aside if what they gain puts them one step closer to what they want. I pray I can instill into my children, it's not what you have, it's what you are about. It's sticking to your word, beliefs, morals, at all costs.... that is true character.
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Well put. So many people seem to be lacking in these qualities. You can blame the media, the government, schools, the internet, but when it really comes down to it, putting in the tough work as a parent is what makes children grow into adults that make the right choices, even when it's not easy. Esepecially when it's not easy.
ReplyDeleteWell said! So much blame is put on "society" these days, but real, REAL character building starts in the home. It's not just our children who can learn by our examples, either. So many people are so focused on the "me side" of everything that the "all side" is becoming extinct. Thanks for reminding us all!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, sounds like a wonderful book :)
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. There are some things my wife and I hold true, hold dear, and will go to whatever costs to help pass those traits on to our children. It starts now, scratch that, it started when they were very young, before they knew which way was up, really. Our children are very respectful and we hope that proves to be the foundation for them having great character, being responsible for themselves and owning up to their responsibilities and having the ability to make the right choice.
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