Sunday, December 4, 2011

Actions speak louder than Words

I am sorry for not writing sooner. Thanksgiving and other things have occupied a lot of time and recently I have been quite sick and in bed. And, admittedly, I am nervous to start this blog but I am driven sincerely by a wish to help others, especially family and friends, but anyone who is searching for a way to be a better Mom or Dad.

We all know that actions speak louder than words and that a picture paints a thousand words. How our children picture us and the example we show them every moment of the day, goes a thousand times further and deeper than what we say. Especially if what we say is not also shown in what we do.

Before we all become overwhelmed with the thought of being perfect, just know that none of us are. But because we are not then we need to be good communicators (which is another days blog). But even in falling short, we can be clear about what we expect of ourselves, our family and our children and what is the goal. Then be forgiving of ourselves and them.

If we are trying to teach our children to be kind and helpful around the house, what are we doing to be the example of kindness and helpfulness? If our children are fighting and argue, have they learned that from the parents? (this is easily learned from TV but do we teach our children that it is not so in our home?)

Gandhi once said, "Be the change you want so see in the world". That is a true principle. If we want more peace, more kindness, more kind words spoken, more love, more service to each other, then be that. Our spouse and our children will more naturally adapt these same attributes.

Of course, the attributes to be desired are found in the scriptures and Jesus is the perfect example of them all. And our invitation to our children should be the same as His. Do the things that ye have seen me do. (3 Nephi 27:21)
Here are just a few attributes for us to consider. But consider what you and your family need.
D&C 4 and 121
And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remeber faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. And persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness and meekness.

Finally, a thought from Pres. Boyd K. Packer. "The measure of our success as parents...will not rest solely on how our children turn out. That judgment would be just only if we could raise our families in a perfectly moral environment, and that now is not possible. ... When parents keep the covenants they have make at the altar of the temple, their children will be forever bound to them." (Our Moral Environment" Ensign, May 1992, 68)

1 comment:

  1. You're the best dad ever. What a great first post. Love you whole bunches!

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