A child was once asked what he would like to do when he grew up. His reply was he wanted to earn a lot of money to give to his parents. My immediate response is: “Hey! This did not come from an innocent child; it could have come from his caregiver or other adults or maybe the media.” What grieved my heart is the wrong emphasis which can be detrimental to the growth and development of this child. The world links success with money. They link success with the accumulation of wealth, be it in the form of properties or assets. Christian parents have a strong responsibility to inculcate Godly values in their children so that Christ can be formed in them, particularly so for the first seven years for these are their formative years. With proper nurturing and guidance, our children will exhibit empathy, love, holiness, kindness, goodness, compassion, righteousness, humility and many other good Godly values.
A few weeks ago, I caught a heartwarming documentary about a mother who had a heart for elderly people. In reaching out to needy old people in Housing Development Board flats, she influenced her two wonderful young children to be involved in what she was doing. Her children were featured mingling happily with the old people. What amazes me is that they enjoyed the process. A few years back, when this kind woman asked her daughter what she wanted for her birthday, she told her mother that all she wanted was to buy some things for the old people. Ever since then, she stopped asking for birthday present instead her heart was solely on these precious old people. My salutations to this kind mother for her excellent example of love, care and concern.
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