~Child- rearing Truth ~

I'd rather see a sermon

than hear one any day,
I'd rather one would walk with me
than merely tell the way;

The eye's a better pupil
and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing,
but examples always clear;

The best of all the preachers
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it,
if you'll let me see it done,
I can watch your hands in action,
your tongue too fast may run;

The lectures you deliver
may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons
by observing what you do;

I may not understand
the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding
how you act and how you live.

Written by Edgar Guest

I love how this poem runs so true with our children. They will make daily decisions based on what they see each and every day. The longstanding quote "Do as I say not as I Do" is a pipedream really.

Our children will emulate us. We are what their little eyes are watching, their little minds are absorbing.
Change in our own lives should not just be a desire, it should be a requirement.
Our own selfishness, our own personal fears, our nagging struggles need and have to be dealt with!
By the grace of God we can change, we can be made new.

I love having my children home each day. It gives me no choice but to learn and to grow personally. It keeps me accountable. Having them by my side allows the opportunity for constant learning on their part as well.
What an honor it is to have a part in shaping these little lives.