Values

Whenever I have a long break in blogging, it's usually because I have a post churning in my mind and haven't found a way to get it written down gracefully.

And, thankfully, I wait and stew on it a bit because always my 1st draft would come across way too political and probably get me in trouble!

But now here it is and though, not perfect, it's a reminder for me and my hopes in parenting Charlotte ---



There are a million and one books out there about parenting. Most, especially when you're parenting in the early infant stages, you've read ad nauseam. Probably even had them bookmarked and resting on your bedside table. I remember the day when those books finally moved from my bedside table and into the bookshelf. That was a good day. Not because I thought I had it all figured out, but because I stopped worrying about my every moved as a parent.

However, parenting is hard.

We worry and always will.

And that is perfectly fine, because, if we didn't, maybe then we'd have a problem.

During a recent parent interview at a private school we applied to, the question was asked "what are your family values?"

A relatively simple question for us to answer, but not one that we were prepared for at that moment. After taking a brief moment, we answered it gracefully by saying the qualities that we hope to instill in Charlotte:

• Kindness
• Respectfulness
• Faithfulness
• Joyfulness

But since that question was asked, I've thought more about it and would like to make 2 more additions that I believe encompass our parenting/family values. 

#1 value I wish for our family is - PRESENCE.

Being present sounds simpler than it really is. And something that doesn't hurt to be reminded of on a regular basis. Sometimes it's hard to be present. There are things in our very hectic days that steal our time away from the ones we love the most: work, household chores, internet, errands... and the list goes on and on. Though some are not avoidable, we know which ones that are. And those are the times that it pays to play that board game, turn the TV off and go outside, play dress-up, etc.
The only side effect is that it grows families closer ;)

A good friend of mine (thank you Jenn!) forwarded me a blog post recently about this same topic.
The Beauty of Being Wanted
It is a fantastic reminder to me. It's a reminder to spend that extra time focused on each other and not on extraneous things. Because one day, when Charlotte is older and I'm not as cool as I once was, it's my hope that she'll still ask me to do things with her, ask my advice, and still love spending time as a family.

The other value that I hope to instill as a parent is to -- EMBRACE DIVERSITY. 

All kinds of people will come into our lives. Some similar to us and some very different. It's my ultimate wish that we treat each person with respect and dignity that each person so rightfully deserves. And, when we open our eyes, not close them -- that is when we can really learn and grow as people.

Dear Charlotte, 

Your daddy and I marvel at your joy for life. We've often said that we want to bottle that joy up and save it forever. I love watching your eyes sparkle when you see something new or notice a reflected rainbow on the ground and shout, "Mommy! A rainbow!" 

You are a smart person. You are sweet and thoughtful. I want that to stay with you always. 

When we teach you about other people, we don't group them by the color of their skin or the color of their toenails... We talk about each person as an individual. And I pray others will do the same about you. 

One of your favorite bedtime songs is, "Jesus Loves the Little Children". 

Jesus Loves the Little Children

All the Children in the World.

Red and Yellow, Black and White (this is where you add: "and Brown and Pink and Purple")

They are Precious in His Sight

Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World.

My precious daughter, always stay true to who you are. You are beautiful. You inspire me.