On Friday, I went to visit my daughter in college. Actually, it wasn't a formal visit. Her step-dad and I went there to bring her computer home in advance of her returning home next week for Christmas break.
One of the things I immediately noticed was her snack ration was seriously depleted. Since the beginning of the school year (August), we have spent a few hundred dollars in keeping her supplied with lots of goodies for her late night munchies and those days when the cafeteria food "sucks" as she says.
When I inquired about where her supply was, she told me she had been sharing her food with others in her dorm. Of course, my first reaction was, "Why are you sharing YOUR stuff? These kids have parents! Don't they send them anything? What makes you think it's your responsibility to feed everyone else? Besides, they have a meal plan--just like you!"
My daughter, very calmly said, "Mom, I don't see what you're getting so bent out of shape about. Haven't you been teaching me all of my life to share? I thought I was doing a good thing. I feel blessed to be in a position to share with others who are a little less fortunate."
OK...this was MY DAUGHTER talking. This is the same "only child" who cried when we gave her leftover food to a homeless man while we were on vacation---food, we knew she would never eat. This is the same person who had a job (in high school) but preferred you spend your money on her.
But then I got to thinking: I spent 18 years doing my best to "train up a child in the way that she should go..." (Proverbs 22:6) and many times I thought I was just talking to myself. But lo and behold, she was listening.
Is your child walking your talk? The better question might be: Are you saying anything worth listening to?
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4 comments:
Now that is something to be grateful for! Inspiring! Hope my daughters have learned from my walk, too. Thanks for sharing.
At some point all the stuff you've taught them will sink in--it just won't be at a convenient time.
Great story Bev. It reminds me of when I was in undergrad doing the same thing. I have an older daughter who is an MSW now and a younger daughter in college too.As parents you wonder if they are listening and watching you, but rest assured they are and do. I like to think it is God's way of letting us know all of the time and energy that we spent training them was not in vein. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding fellow baby boomer's that the time we spent was not wasted, but just like a seed that turned into a plant our children need time to develop too.
Thanks for this encouraging post Beverly. With 5 kids I sometimes wonder if they have listened to what they have been taught. Then you get a glimpse from one of them that blow you away and helps you to know it was worth it. Your daughter sounds very special...like her Mom!
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