“True generosity implies an openhearted willingness to give freely, without thought of personal gain or return. It means we give because someone has a need, and we care about them. Sacrifice or inconvenience may be involved, but we don’t see it as a loss since this kind of sharing is inherently rewarding.
Surely, this describes a major aspect of what we do as parents. We give to our children because they need us, and we give to them even more during some of their most difficult stages, putting our own needs aside to meet theirs. If we hope to be rewarded by them in some specific or immediate way, we are likely to be disappointed…
The most important thing we can give our children is our presence and our attention. We must never forget that just being with our kids is nurturing to them at any age. However, sharing our time with them is sometimes the most difficult thing to do…We cannot make up for lost time. It is far more important to use the time we do have together in meaningful ways.”
Dorothy Law Nolte and Rachel Harris Children Learn What They Live: Parenting to Inspire Values (New York: Workman, 1998) 155-156.
When we generously and consistently give our children our presence and our attention, we not only nurture them. We teach them how to listen, love, and care for others. God help us do this well every opportunity we get, even though the older they get, often the more sacrifice and time it requires.
While Jenni remains in San Diego today helping Sophie get settled, I am spending the day with Sammy, assisting him as he leads a guided fly fishing outing for three men: John Van Drunen (my dear friend and EVP of ECFA), and Joel and Bo Kilby (John’s brother-in-law and father-in-law).
Lord, thanks for the gift of time with our children today!