Through self-discovery and parenting as our children are slowly starting to transition into pre-teen, it has become such a prevalent reality how important choices are and to help children select in their own choices(with-in reason). My hypothesis is that self choices aid confidence in their own decision making abilities and builds children's belief of self.I have been experimenting with trying to create choices and finding proper balance is a challenge.
Education? Church? Social expectation?
These are areas easy to inflict our own personal beliefs and insistently push, I understand this will definitely be a constant work in progress.
I found myself explaining to one of our children about making life whatever we choose to make it, we can choose to make life sweet or sour(bitter). As cliche as it may sound I did use the "lemonade" analogy. The moment seemed so right and I openly admit I have had to draw on this thought much my self the past few months.
A bushel of lemons showed up on our doorstep last year, I had no choice but to bring them in. I sliced them, squeezed,juiced all by hand. A little of that acidic juice caught a open cut in my soul and burned- Yes, I did complain and I sulked. Tried to take a break, but my ethic wouldn't let me until the job was done.
Once all the lemons where juiced and tossed I had a lovely stock. Thinking I was done I poured a cup to taste. Oooh, it did look good! Instantly I winced, my eyes squint shut and my lips pursed, so bitter and tart. I had been deceived by the sweet looking fruit. I don't keep much sugar on hand, used what I had and procrastinated my venture out for more. It took much more sugar than I accounted for, and still adding.
Life is amazing, thank you God for the growth I gain from lifes lemons. The choice is always mine whether to drink a sweet or bitter cup of lemonade.
PS: Sweet is better!
