What Do You Wish For Your Children?

I often ponder about what it is that I wish for my children.

Once my mother told me that her wish for my brother and me was that we'd grow up to be responsible and functional members of the society. She believed that no one was truly happy if s/he was not socially accepted. I've also heard people wish for their success, happiness, wealth, health... The list can go on forever.

As Rachid and I were sitting down at a Pizza restaurant tonight, attending Jay's scout meeting with the boys, all of a sudden, it became clear to me. I wish that my children will grow up to know and appreciate who they are and to belong to something that they'd have to work hard for.

I think it's extremely important to really understand the true nature of yourself--good and bad. Once you figure that out, it becomes clearer what sort of activities, groups, or friends you'd want to take part in. When you have to work hard to belong to something, whatever that may be, you tend to appreciate it more and to be proud of something bigger than just yourself and your own achievement.

For an example, Jay happens to belong to a very prestigious swim team in the area. They take the sports very seriously, and because of that, they are very strict not only with the swimming portion of it but also with the school work as well as the character developing. They always talk to children about code of conduct especially when they're wearing their uniforms, and I have never been more impressed with a group of kids I encounter there.

Part of belonging to something that is possibly above their ability is that they are probably not going to be the superstars. Even then, I wish that they'd always dream and shoot for the best versions of themselves.


Jay and his Cub Scout buddies

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