Tuesday, May 11, 2010

What to Pack?

One of the things my dad says is to "parent with the end in mind". Think of it this way. When looking at a target we all want to aim for the bullseye, but it's not always that easy to hit. It takes focus, purpose, and aim. Life comes at us in all directions often making it very difficult for us to keep our eye on the target. My dad came up with this analogy about parenting that I think is great and I wanted to share with you all.

He talks about parenting being like packing a suit case. The suitcase represents our children and the things inside it represent all the things we want our children to have before leaving our home. Think about the things you want to pack in your child's suitcase. What kind of character do you want them to develope? What are the the things you want them to treasure? How will you help cultivate in them a relationship with the Lord? How will you help encourage their talents? This list goes on and on. On the flip side it can become very easy to put things in our children's suitcase that we never intended. Eric and I decided that we want to start baby Hoff's life "with the end in mind". We already realize how short our time with him will be and we don't want to waste the oppurtunity to show God's great love for him while he is under our roof. We bought this little suitcase as a physical reminder to keep our eye on the target. We want the suticase to serve as a reminder that we are constantly putting things in baby Hoff's suitcase whether we intend to or not. Pray for us as we prepare for this gift from God- that we would continue to remember to keep the end in mind.


His first letter from Mom and Dad :)

5 comments:

  1. That's so great Melissa . . . your father sounds like a wise man. I read a quote recently that said something to the effect of "The things you say to your child today will become the voice in their head for the rest of their lives."

    Ok, I didn't do it justice, but you get the idea.

    Parenting is the hardest thing I've ever done, and I'm only three years in. But it's also the most rewarding job I'll ever have.

    I'm going to share that suitcase idea with Kyle and try to come up with something to have around the house that will be a constant reminder to us.

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  2. That is just brilliant. And I love that you actually bought a suitcase WITH HOUNDSTOOTH so the little guy will always know where his roots are, no matter where life takes him. So excited for you, sweet, precious Melissa!

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  3. What a beautiful idea!! Super cute suitcase. :)

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  4. This is beautiful, Melissa...love it! (Of course, I'm not surprised it came from your dad.:-) BUT if you're going to mention the houndstooth, you have to mention why it's important. I'm an anti-Alabama Tennessean, and even I grew up with a respect for Bear. (But that's where I draw the line.:-) I'm anxiously awaiting word on the soon-to-be first Kayser boy!
    ~ pam hdx

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  5. i love this; so precious. so intentional. something that you will ALL cherish for different reasons at different times. praying for you guys and so excited to meet baby luke SOON! we love ya'll -- JL

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