LESSONS LEARNED

If there is one thing I wish my parents taught me and that I would like to pass on to my children is that life can be unfair. It is understandable that parents get to be too protective of their children so they do not have to stumble over the same mistakes and hurts they went through. Thing is, more often than not, this teaches the child to live in a bubble of illusion which would burst eventually with the harsh realities of life.

I would teach them the values of hard work and honesty but tell them that there would be times that people who shortchange others and kiss the boss’ ass would be rewarded. I would teach them the value of truthfulness but make them realize that some people who cheat and lie may get a better deal in life. I would teach them the value of compassion and love but remind them that sometimes most-trusted friends would betray your trust out of envy or malicious mischief. I would teach them the value of justice but warn them that standng up for the truth could mean standing alone and they themselves could be victims of injustice.

While we all strive to raise our children to grow into good adults and law-abiding citizens, the world teaches them otherwise. It would be good to balance the godly virtues with the realities they have to deal with. With that, they would hopefully end up wise not gullible, be loving adults but not doormats that others would trample on, innocent yet streetwise. In the end, it is the pure of heart that God will reward if not in this short-term world then at least in heavenly eternity. :)