O SON OF SPIRIT!
My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting.(The Hidden Words)
All children, of every race, nationality or religion, are created in the image of God and are born with pure hearts and prejudice free minds. Our job as parents and teachers is to help children uncover and discover the sings of the greatness of God in themselves and each other.
At home this process can take place directly through the introduction of prayer, and spiritual guidance. In schools, this can be done by helping children identify and appreciate the VIRTUES of God, even when it is not possible to mention the source.
Kindness, helpfulness, cheerfulness, patience, fairness, curiosity, these are universally available and universally appreciated. When we focus on the beauty and universality virtues, then prejudices and conflicts based on superficial qualities like skin color, nationality, evaporate on their own.
Children naturally strive to develop these qualities that they see praised by adults. While it is natural for parents and teachers to notice differences in athletic or academic abilities, these represent only a tiny drop out of ocean of a child’s potential. By making a conscious effort to mention qualities and behaviors that demonstrate universal virtues, parents and teachers can create an environment in which children work as hard to be loving and kind as they do excel in sports. In this environment, it becomes manifestly obvious that ”God does not look at colors; He looks at hearts. He whose character is better is more pleasing.”
The most important job parents have is to pass basic virtues on to their children, and The Family Virtues Guide (by Linda Kavelin Popov) is a wonderful way to implement positive creation into family. This invaluable book is designed to help make that job a little easier. It gives adults and children the tools for spiritual and moral growth.
Drawn from the world’s religions, the 52 virtues included there- one for each week of the year- nurture togetherness in family life. The simple strategies, which explain what a virtue is, how to practice it, and signs of success, will engage children of all ages in an exciting process of growth and discovery.
Regard,Mona
