I was working on a book review last week of the four autobiographies of Madeline L’Engle. (Author of A Wrinkle in Time, and other titles.)
In preparation, besides having read the books, I watched a few interviews/speeches she made and I thought the advice she gave on parenting, among other things, was noteworthy.
She and her husband Hugh raised three children while maintaining a country home and a city apartment. They were conscientious parents and loved their family!
Her advice went something like this:
“Don’t lose your temper in front of your children, but if you do, apologize! I apologize daily. Hug them and let yourself be real. As parents, love each other as you’re fumbling along, trying to figure things out. Some of the things we did with the best intentions, turned out to be the worst. And some of the things we did on accident, turned out to be the best!
Read to your children for hours. And let them pray for hours.”
I think there is a lot of wisdom in these words.
Another thought she offered, that I think goes hand in hand with thoughts on parenting was this:
“Not forgiving ourselves can be a supreme act of arrogance.”
Let’s keep trying, little by little, and determine to drink in the lessons we are learning and value the ways that we are growing…no matter how old our children are!
Sending you much love today.
Take good care,