How do we impress upon our youth that life is hard? How do we make them see that the relationships and things that are most precious in life, are worth the time, patience, cultivation, dedication and hard work? I see a disturbing prevailing theme that makes me wonder if we've done them a great disservice. Most seem to want what they want, when they want it. They resent having to work for anything rewarding.
I have worked diligently to instill in my children a fortitude and self discipline that will help them realize their dreams without them waiting on those dreams to be handed to over on the proverbial silver platter. I've done my best to teach them that when a goal seems hard, you don't just walk away and move on to something else. The times in my life that I've "stuck it out" and looked back on what I've been through, make me feel proud, strong and blessed. I want my children to know those feelings.
How have we come to the place that when a marriage gets hard, we just leave? When a job gets tough, we get a new one? When we can't afford a big home, we buy one anyway? I fear we're seeing a generation who considers everything to be disposable when they get bored with it and every temptation indulged, because they know they won't stick around to suffer the consequences. I know there are many who know the value of committment and hard work, but they are not who our children see touted in front of them as the ones to be like. The people who are looked up to and emulated slip in and out of marriages at whim, indulge in drugs and alcohol to make life fun and easy, and spend money on lavish estravagent excesses.
 |
| My son getting his 2nd college degree. |
We don't do our children any service when we just hand over things that they want. It tends to make them shallow and self centered. It says to them that they don't have to earn anything. I often think about the Scripture that says, "God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Reward comes only after diligence. The true test of character is when one cares about someone or something enough to make them a priority even above their own comfort and pleasure.
I commend those parents who have taken the time to instill a good work ethic in their children; who have shown them that life can be hard, but so worth the effort. I have hope that there are enough of the next generation who won't let themselves be sucked into empty lives in search of the next easy relationship or thing. Let's raise up a generation who diligently seeks after God and the dreams He has placed in their hearts!
From His lap,
