De imitatione Christi

"ALL PARENTS DAMAGE their children. It cannot be helped. Youth, like pristine glass absorbs the prints of its handlers."* This is inevitable, for children know not how to act or what to believe; so it is instinctive to imitate someone who does. It is quite a responsibility that intimidates me when I pay it any mind. This is not to say though, that we are left without instruction. We are told to "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." Surely this can be considered an instruction manual for parenting, but it is far more difficult than most are willing to do.

Affection is something that has piqued my curiosity in the past weeks. Often frowned upon in society, I have recently been compelled to embrace it. Beyond the silly pun lies a truth that cannot be hidden behind words. Anyone can utter the words I love you, but not anyone can communicate it without words. Christ was often found associating with those considered unclean or looked upon as sinners. The Son of God was willing to be touched by those needing healing, so it important that we learn from this and extend our healing powers to our loved ones. Before our youth become tainted with prints of neglect and hate, why not shower them with prints of love? Our Heavenly Father being our perfect example, loved us perfectly. It is only natural that we imitate Him.

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* The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom; pg. 104