This is my very first attempt to do a blog. I hope I do okay...
First a little background. I am a Mormon (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), a husband of almost 18 years, father of 4 wonderful children, student (again) studying CAD design, and avid fisherman when I get the chance to go.
This world is forever changing, on many different issues in our lives. Dealing with family, religion, politics/community, employment, etc. With raising and providing for our family, comes the responsibility of teaching our children what is right and what is wrong. But sometimes our children can teach us when we are least expecting it.
Tonight I watched "Fiddler On The Roof" with my kids. I had not seen it for some time. As I watched "Tevye" (the Papa) deal with decisions he had to make, whether it be about the marriage of a daughter, or going against his values and religion to accept the way of life one of his daughters has chosen, my mind really began to ponder tonight. In each situation he encounters, he ends up weighing the pros and cons to God in the form of a debate in his mind...."On the other hand.......". While debating in his mind, he remembers what is most important to him, and that is, the love he has for his daughter(s), for her happiness, and his love for God. And he leaves it in God's hands to do the rest, since he knows now he can't do anything more.
Some of you may not be as religious as I am and go to church on Sunday, and please know that is your own freedom of choice (which is a true LDS belief & my personal belief). But I think that we should teach our kids the best we can, or at least the best we know, about God and trusting in him to get us through difficult times. Just start by praying, and asking for help. You may not get an answer right away, but I promise you God will answer your prayer.
My oldest is now 14 (ugh!) and she is very challenging at times. We have her make her own decision on a lot of things, to learn the benefit or the consequence. So far she is doing good and choosing the same path that her mother and I chose. I hope she continues to make good choices, and that God will guide her.
Like in the movie, they have arranged marriages. I asked my three daughters if I get to pick their husbands for them since I am their "Papa". They all turned and and shouted all at once "NO"! I got a great laugh at that one! (However, I don't think Taylor is out of the running yet, for my oldest Brooklyn... She did get him to cut his hair when his parent couldn't! And he is still my favorite at this point.)
In order for my daughters to look for a complete gentleman (when they become of age to date), I want to distill in their minds how a woman should be treated. That is with respect, friendship and love. One thing that I want my children to see, is my outgoing affection toward my wife. I hug and kiss her in front of them all the time, and they laugh and tease us (all the time). So we just do it more to tease them back! But you know, they will learn to appreciate it, and will want to have the same kind of closeness with their spouse, as we have together in our marriage.
"Tevye" (the Papa) a poor Milkman, always wishes he was a "Rich Man". When the teacher (young man teaching his children) tells him "riches are the worlds curse", he pleads to God to "then curse me with riches."
But then he remembers what is most important to him. His love for his family, his love for God.
I work hard. Sometimes I have worked two jobs (I'm sure many of you have also). I may never be a "Rich Man" as far as money is concerned, but I guarantee, I would not be any happier with riches, than I am right now without riches.
I love my wife Shannon very much, I love my daughters Brooklyn, Brenna and Brielle, I love my son Jaden, and love my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ.
That's what is important to me!
Veigh
