This afternoon I stumbled upon a video from 2005 of our
youngest sons’ first kung fu class. It
seemed so strange to see the kwoon as it used to be (red mats and extra walls),
to see how young all us adults looked and just how tiny our own son was. At the time of the video, our son was a
whopping 3 years old, and sooooo cute. Where
has the time gone?
As I watched the video with a huge smile on my face, I
couldn’t help but think that kung fu has been a part of our family for quite
some time. Our kids have grown up with
kung fu. They have learned so many things of value that has helped them develop
into the respectful young men they are today.
However, as they get older and continue to grow and change, so it seems
their interests may as well. As much as I wish that they would recognize
the amazing opportunity they are being given, I have realized I can’t make them
like something. I can’t make them work
hard and try to achieve something that they don’t have a heart for. They are developing into their own individual
and unique person and need to be allowed and encouraged to pursue what they
have a passion for (even if that may not be what I have in mind).
The thought that my
children may decide to choose other interests makes me kind of sad, but I hope
they know that whatever they decide I will support, encourage and even drive
them; however there are no guarantees that I won’t keep trying to nudge them subtly
back to their kung fu. Every day I see
the evidence of what my children have learned up to now and I am very proud of
them. Whether it is picking garbage,
serving supper at the Mustard Seed, making healthy food choices or deciding to
race mom and dad up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, they have
learned some healthy and positive ideas, values and habits. As parents we have tried to set an example
that will help build a strong foundation for our children. I trust that the lessons and values that they
have learned will stick to some degree always.
Yes, they will make mistakes and may go sideways for a time, but I
believe that the love, support, encouragement and time; the foundation that we
have helped build for them since they were born will be what they continue to
build on throughout their lives.
Alana Regier
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