Friday 8 August 2008

A wish

I have one of those little flip calenders sitting in my kitchen, called "365 Best-Kept Parenting Secrets". I have actually remembered to flip the page each day since January 1st. I love reading it in the morning just before breakfast. The contents are everything from parenting tips, safety ideas, scripture passages, words of wisdom, and much, much more. I've learned some great things. I also love that little feeling of satisfaction when I flip over the page and see a tip that I'm already practicing (reinforces my mothering emotions).

I was excited to see what was written on today's page. Today I celebrate my 28th birthday, and I wanted to see what sage advice would be imparted on this special day. You never know - it could be brilliant, old hat, or common sense. It could be exactly what I wanted or needed to read, or it could be very boring.

Well, this is what is written on August 8th:

(drum roll please)

"Share your passions with your children. Let them know they can make a difference in the world around them."

My heart filled with joy and a smile filled my face. These two sentences sum up one of my deepest wishes for my children. All that I hope I can teach them, all that I pray they will learn and know, all that I wish they will grow to become. It is my greatest desire for my children that they become passionate and a great mover in the world. One of the saddest outcomes would be complacency, boredom, and being a bystander.

One of my favourite songs (you can find the full lyrics if you look under "music" under my post labels) is called "In the Meantime". And one of my favourite lines is "Deep inside she's still the girl who's always felt the fire to make a difference in the world." This is me. And I hope one day it will be my children also.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Terri-Ann!

I hope this is a very special day for you. Do you have any celebration plans (big or small)?

:)

Terri-Ann said...

Thanks for the wishes. So far today I...vacuumed, swept, did laundry, then had a play date with a cousin. But tonight I have an evening out with James - a nice dinner sans kids, and then to a movie. It's a power packed week with our anniversary on the 1st and James' b-day on the 5th - one giant celebration!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Triple congratulations, then!

What movie you are checking out (what films do "film experts" go see :) ?

It's been so long since I've been to the theater... let me know if you catch a good one :)

Terri-Ann said...

Sadly, there are very few good movies in theatres these days. We have a local non-denominational church that meets in what used to be a movie theatre, and they show "faith films" once a month (think "Amazing Grace", or the William Tyndale story) And to be honest, I much prefer seeing some Christian history than most of what's out there in pop culture. But tonight we will be seeing "The Dark Knight", at James' request. I saw "Mamma Mia" last week, which is fun for a girl's night out. Lately I also rent a lot of documentaries from the library.

Much more selection come November as Oscar season heats up.

It's been so long since my film/theatre days. Do you still dabble in musical theatre now and then? I can imagine the time demand might be too much for a busy young mom with 5 kids! I certainly have days where I long for that old excitement, however.