Because We're All Children

How our parents taught us about life is similar as to how God reveals His Words to men.

When we were toddlers, our parents told us to do things that we didn't understand. Sometimes they would even tell us to just follow. We even get scared with them when they do it. It's almost the same when God started talking to His people. There seemed to be a lot of confusions and some words humans can't fathom. They got scared of Him also. But most of the time, just like our parents, God asks us to do things we can't understand because they are trying to protect us from bad things we are not aware of. As little kids, we were bold and adventurous so as the earlier men before they started understanding the law of God and nature that we try to do a lot of stupid things that could hurt us.

Not until we grew older that we became aware of the dangers of heights, fire, water and sharp objects. We were curious when we were kids even when our parents told us not to play with them. Some of us abide. Some did not but then learned from the experience. Just like how the early men did not realize how vices, infidelity, promiscuity, over consumption of a lot of things could harm them physically, mentally and emotionally. Many of them followed what God told them. But others did not and learned the hard way.

Then came the time that our parents saw our maturity and started to explain things to us in depth. Just like how knowledge of science, philosophy, psychology and other advance learning started to bring light to God's wisdom. It became easier for the people to understand His words and actions.

We react differently to how our parents treated us same as to what God wants us to do or to be. Either we grow as faithful and loving children or as rebels. And there are those who are just like the prodigal son who comes back to his father after realizing his mistakes. Or maybe like some who hardened their hearts and forever leave their parents and families, forgetting everything. Then there are those who follow only the things they like which just meant it's not their parents whom they are listening to but themselves.

Our fathers and mothers aren't flawless. They can do things wrong and this might impact as to what kind of adults we become. Our parents are human too. But not God. God is perfect so as His words. As to how we can be sure if we're listening to Him right, we're asking the wrong question. Let us ask ourselves first if we truly believe Him. It's the prerequisite before we are even capable of sitting down and listening to Him.

It's Official

I’m afraid of not being able to provide the needs of my family. What if my job won’t be enough? What if something bad happen to me?  What if I’m not able to give my kids proper education? What if I’m not able to feed my kids? A lot of what ifs and I really fear them. 

But the good thing about fear is that I know that I have to do something about it. I need to have contingency. I already started with the initial steps a couple of years ago. I will share with you what I did in another post and it’s more about the financial stuffs which is something we can have more control. But what about the others that are more difficult to get a hold with?

Like how our kids will behave when they grow up? Will they be strong? Will they be confident? Will they be successful? We can read a lot of advice about good parenting. But can we really follow them all and be assured of bright future for our kids? But I think the right question should be, are we parents properly equipped with knowledge and character to guide our kids grow and mature as good citizens? It’s more of who we are more than what we do which creates bigger impact to our children.

Yes, we do need it. Right, uhmm Pink Floyd?

Most of us are guilty of focusing on only one thing. Education. We’re dictated by the system or whatever that our children must do well in school because if not, they will fail in the future. We push our children too hard to become part of the honor roll and even sometimes to be the number one.  And there are instances that it becomes a competition between parents already and not among the children. It’s because for each parent, their children are the best. That’s understandable. But do the children understand the reasons why their parents are doing it? Or are they just trying too hard out of fear of being scolded? Is the simple “we’re just doing it for you” statement enough for our kids to realize why their parents do this?

It’s good to have most parents being involved with their kids’ studies. But hopefully not to the point of exhausting the child’s energy and getting fed up at the early stages of his life. Try making them realize that education is important but it is not the end of everything in their lives. And there are other things that matter more than being confident and competitive. There are all those other virtues that our children also need to learn.  

More than being the smartest in the class is how they can get along with all the other people in it.  Try to make them understand that there’s only one top student in a classroom so the odds that they will not be that person is bigger. Then letting them know that it is just fine as long as they are able to do good with their studies at the same time being respectful of their teachers and friends.  And if ever they’ll be able to get the highest award in their class, remind them that it’s also the best time for them to become the most humble.  Imagine parents and kids competing with each other but this time, trying to outdo each other in terms of virtues and character.  Everyone trying to be the most humble, oh how peaceful and delightful that competition would be.

And on the other hand, it’s official. We’ll be having a daughter before the year ends. My wife and I are so excited. Though our son is too young to be aware of his incoming sibling, we do our best to make him realize he already has a baby sister inside his mommy’s growing tummy. When we ask him “where’s your sis”, he’ll point at his mom’s belly and then kisses it.  We will be one big happy four-member family by Christmas and it would be a very merry one. And I hope and pray that we will be able to take good care of them so that they may grow as responsible people in the future.