When will we learn...

Well, I was just talking with Pook about what to write about.  We both agree that everyone likes the funny stories.  As a general rule, people do not like to be lectured or saddened. But.....sometimes things just need to be said.

I can remember hurting at least as bad as my children during their lives as they discovered that every day was not fun and games.  Kids are forced to learn at a very young age that bad things can happen.  People will steal your belongings. They will lie to you and about you.  And you know what ...they can often be downright mean!  We all have to learn these lessons as we grow up.   Thankfully, at the same time we do find that there are special people in the world who will stand by your side when the tears fall, and they will support you when the going gets rough.  These are also the people that you laugh with until your sides hurt and can tell your biggest secrets to. 

Teach your children how to figure out who those people are. - if you can.  Unfortunately, the lessons do not stop when you become an adult.  Once your children are  adults they will need to face a whole new set of challenges.  They will find out that Christian people do not always behave in a Christian manner.  They will find out that adults seem to be able to lie, cheat and steal in bigger ways than children.  And they will still find that people that they think are their friends will hurt them the deepest.  Actually, and unfortunately I am still learning  these same lessons.

I do apologize for this being so heavy today.  Maybe it is the gloomy weather.  There is a brighter side to this conversation.  If you cannot figure out yourself how to identify the "bad guys", at least teach your children what they should hold and treasure close to their hearts.  Teach them to be a little selfish about sharing themselves with the world.  Don't be afraid to be a family that supports and loves one another.  Knowing that you have that love to lean on when it is tough can help you get through it all.  Laughing with people who truly love you can make an already joyful time more amazing than you can imagine.

I have spent many minutes and hours teaching my kids that everyone will not like you and you do not have to like everyone.  If more of us can teach our children that people deserve kindness and courtesy, we might actually be able to make a difference in this world.  Good and evil do exist.  I have seen both, and they battle for us every day.  Let's fight back and start by loving our kids!  Always let them know that you are there to guide them and love them. God willing, we can make a difference one day at a time.