What do you believe?  Oh, you might say, “I believe in the Apostles’ Creed, or the Bible, or even the Constitution.”  But I mean, what do you really believe?  Have you ever seriously considered what you believe and why?  I’m currently reading, This I Believe, a series of “personal philosophies of remarkable men and women,” by Jay Allison.  One of the most powerful beliefs I read came from Debbie Hall, a volunteer for the Disaster Mental Health Team of her local Red Cross, she wrote, “I believe in the power of presence.”  She described how just being there carries a “silent power.” 

Think for a moment about certain times as a parent when just your presence was very powerful.  Your presence at your child’s special event at school, or at your child’s sporting event, or even just being at home when your child comes off the school bus in the afternoons.  There is power in your presence that cannot be matched in any other way.  In the same way, your lack of presence also sends a very powerful message to your child.  As parents, we have to find a balance between times of presence and times of absence.  And of course, the more children you have the more opportunities there are to find that balance. For as often as you can, be there. 

When you aren’t able, let your child know that you are thinking of them and sending them encouraging prayers of support.   I would like to encourage you to sit down with your family and write down your family’s belief statement.   For instance, your family might believe in traditions, special ways to celebrate birthdays, and various holidays throughout the year.  It might be that your family believes in character, integrity, and honesty. Talk about how you can express those values.   As parents, we must hold on tightly to the truths that we value in our families’ belief system, for they will be tested.   Write them down so your child can visualize what you believe.   

It is written in Deuteronomy 6: 6-9, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”  May God bless your efforts to provide spiritual guidance and wisdom to your children.