Hopes & Dreams

This week I spent some time sharing my hopes for my daughter with another. It came down to this:

I have two main goals for my children:
-To come to understand the love of Jesus in a personal way.
-To show others Jesus' love through their lives.

It's that simple and yet that complicated. This isn't just the vision I have for my children; it's what I strive for in my own life. I often come up short in the second category (demonstrating the love of Christ) but it's still the focus.

What does that look like at age three:
-being kind in speech, actions and attitudes
-sharing
-being gentle
-obeying your parent(s)/caregivers

What does that look like in your 30s:
-being kind in speech, actions and attitudes
-being generous
-demonstrating self-control in all aspects of life
-serving others


Along this journey, I hope my kids follow the advice of the Lee Ann Womack song (It's good advice for adults too-hint, hint!):

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider

Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance ...