Five Things-Tagged Again!

Alicia tagged me again--this was a tough one. I think it should simply say "20 Things You Want Your Kids to Know" and be done with it, but here it goes....

Five things you want your kids to know before they grow up

• That the pain of the past creates strength and confidence for the future.
• That who they become is far more important than what they amass in earthly terms.
• That gentlemen put the lid down---yes always.
• That spiritual strength is not about church and religion, but that the community of believers should provide opportunities to serve.
• That creating loving relationships is what makes life sweeter and this is sometimes hard work.

Five things you want to tell your children when they are grown up

• That I would do it all over again (I have to steal this one—it says it all).
• That the legacy of love and hope that their father left them should be a goal in their own lives.
• That without the pain—there would be no way to experience real joy.
• That I am terribly proud of who they have become.
• That the profession they choose should create in them excitement every day and that this is the definition of success.
  

Five things you want to tell your children before you die

• That how ever they choose to deal with my death—it is fine with me.
• To treasure the small events in life—it is short.
• That writing is more than a class in school, but can be the window into the soul and much cheaper than counseling.
• Faith is the foundation on which a home is built.
• To enjoy the beauty of God’s creation—take time to plant, grow and enjoy.

Five things you want your children to know before they die (I took this as experience)

• The joy of raising children.
• The wholeness of finding the love of their life.
• The enjoyment of travel.
• The hope that faith in God brings.
• The importance of learning to forgive—especially themselves.

As far as tagging the next victim in this exercise--I say if you are reading this, consider yourself tagged. After thinking through these answers, I realize that there are many lessons my children are going to have to learn the hard way--- trial by fire.

This I know for sure...