Thursday, March 16, 2006

"Raising" Children

Today the phrase raising children came to my mind in a way it has not before. When someone says they want to raise their children well, most times I think- help them grow up, become successful adults and not get into trouble. This seems to be the standard idea of raising a child, but today I thought of a new perspective.

We as the older generation can raise a child up. By this I mean to a higher level, even higher than we have turned out. Isn't that the point anyway? Shouldn't we hope that our children and grandchildren will have more knowledge, be more skilled, kind, spiritual and well rounded than we are? I think it is our job to help them attain the potential they don't even know they have. We can raise them not only to be productive adults, but to a higher level, as an elevator raises a passenger to a new level to then explore and do more than on the previous level.

All this maybe see elementary to some of you, but I found it an inspiring and interesting train of thought.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Yes, the opportunity is there as we gain more knowledge and experience as a global community. We must be wary, however, that we don't take upon ourselves too much accountability for our children's ultamite choices. We must ponder long and hard about what aspects of knowledge, skill, well-roundedness, etc. are worth the sacrifices. Luckily, we are promised spirits that are more valiant and capable than we are and the Lord, I believe will expect this higher level from the next generation, and we accomplish things with our help as we follow His counsel. What an amazing concept and responsibility!