Back to 2005

This afternoon I stumbled upon a video from 2005 of our youngest sons’ first kung fu class.  It seemed so strange to see the kwoon as it used to be (red mats and extra walls), to see how young all us adults looked and just how tiny our own son was.  At the time of the video, our son was a whopping 3 years old, and sooooo cute.  Where has the time gone? 

As I watched the video with a huge smile on my face, I couldn’t help but think that kung fu has been a part of our family for quite some time.  Our kids have grown up with kung fu. They have learned so many things of value that has helped them develop into the respectful young men they are today.  However, as they get older and continue to grow and change, so it seems their interests may as well.   As much as I wish that they would recognize the amazing opportunity they are being given, I have realized I can’t make them like something.  I can’t make them work hard and try to achieve something that they don’t have a heart for.  They are developing into their own individual and unique person and need to be allowed and encouraged to pursue what they have a passion for (even if that may not be what I have in mind). 

 The thought that my children may decide to choose other interests makes me kind of sad, but I hope they know that whatever they decide I will support, encourage and even drive them; however there are no guarantees that I won’t keep trying to nudge them subtly back to their kung fu.  Every day I see the evidence of what my children have learned up to now and I am very proud of them.  Whether it is picking garbage, serving supper at the Mustard Seed, making healthy food choices or deciding to race mom and dad up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, they have learned some healthy and positive ideas, values and habits.  As parents we have tried to set an example that will help build a strong foundation for our children.  I trust that the lessons and values that they have learned will stick to some degree always.  Yes, they will make mistakes and may go sideways for a time, but I believe that the love, support, encouragement and time; the foundation that we have helped build for them since they were born will be what they continue to build on throughout their lives.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca