Leaving the Legacy Behind

   I've talked with many parents about what's most important to them in raising their children and most parents tell me it's teaching and discipline. Many others tell me what they can provide for their children is, such as shelter and a good college education. I think most parents, including myself get so wrapped up in what we can provide for our children and how we can best teach them, which are vital roles as a parent, however forgetting really what the MOST important thing is to them. They don't really care how many toys we can buy for them or how much money we make, and though teaching and discipline are extremely important, they don't respect it unless we do what is MOST important in their lives... That is TIME we spend with them. Children want our time more than anything else. If we haven't established an emotional foundation with our children, everything else falls to the wayside. I've known many families that believed building a financial empire or legacy for their children would result in confident and secure adults one day. I've also known families that believe firm structure and a rigid schedule will do the same. These are lies and a misconception. Many mothers and fathers sacrifice time with their children due to this very destructive belief system. There are of course times in a family' s lives where sacrifices may have to be made and certain situations are out of our control. However, believing the lie that our children will benefit long term from sacrificing time with them for more money or things that are only the flesh's desires to obtain above and beyond our needs is only a delusion.