Buzz words tend to bother me, I try to pretend like they don’t exist, and then suddenly one will fall out of my mouth and I’ll use it 10 times in a day. As usual, when I make some concrete judgment about anything, I’m instantly nailed with my own shortcomings and lack of originality. Therefore, I get to laugh at myself! As I try to enable my kids to have the confidence and desire to be original, to not follow the crowd, I’m reminded at how hard it is to do this myself. But, I truly want them to experience life through diverse and unaffected eyes.
“Diversity” within a household is beautiful and crazy-making all at once. Our four children have been given the same food, love, education, genes, discipline and opportunities. There could not be a more diverse group. I love them for it, it makes me smile, it makes me laugh, it frustrates me to tears and ultimately it makes me work harder to be a better parent.
How is it that we could be so blessed with this opportunity to grow beyond our wildest dreams and resolutely impart some wisdom on the future citizens we have been loaned? If we can instill even the smallest desire to love God, desire education, be a wise steward of the creation we live and breathe, and to serve others, we will have succeeded in our vision.
By the way, I have been banned from using the words “in reality…”. It’s the buzz phrase I’ve worn out lately.
