Thursday, April 07, 2011

Roots and Wings

I heard this the other day while watching TV and it really struck me as a great philosophy!!
Our jobs as parents are to give our children roots and wings.
I love this!!

Roots refers to a strong sense of family and a place of belonging.  Our children should always know where they are from and who they can turn to in times of need.  They should feel secure in their family and know that they can rely on their parents and siblings.

I also think the idea of Roots for our children should also encompass the faith we give them.  God is just as important to their sense of security in the world, if not more so, as family is.  We have to give our children a good foundation in the faith as a part of forming them in our families.

Then there is the idea of wings.  I think this can be one of the scariest things for parents, but it is so incredibly necessary.  This is the idea that we give our children the abilities to go out into the world and be successful and independent people.  We want them to spread their wings and explore the world, no matter how scary that may sound.  Going away to college, living on their own, making the right decisions, starting their own families; no matter where any of these things lead our children, whether that be across town, across the country, or across the world.

If the roots are in place, though, the wings will always have a place to come back to.  I think that is one of the greatest things a parent can do.  Provide those strong roots so that their children's wings can spread with ease and allow them to be taken wherever life may lead them.  And when they need the comforts of home, home will be there to support and encourage them.

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