I recently read about a woman from New Mexico. One of her parents was a teacher and the other was a nurse. On nights and weekends they would do volunteer work. They were both committed to a life of service.
The woman herself became a physician and works with the homeless community and has for a number of years. She has two sons who both dirt-bike. One of them doesn’t win many races because when a competitor falls, he stops and waits until they get up. He wants to make sure they are OK.
Because one set of parents practiced and modeled service to others, their daughter was led into the medical field determined to serve others as well. As she has modeled that lifestyle for her family, another generation of caring individuals is developing.
It is easy to think that what we do, what others see us do, doesn’t matter. But people are watching. And kids are like sponges. Just being with my 2 year old granddaughter this past weekend, I am aware that she will mimic whatever we say and do. Knowing the kind of impact our lives can have on others should be a motivator to parent with purpose, or for that matter to grandparent with purpose.
Today is Monday and it matters. I urge you today to be aware of what you are modeling for those around. You just may have an impact that will affect a generation that is yet to be born.