Day 415

Modeling is one of the most important ways to guide the next generation. Today, as we said farewell to the lake for a couple of weeks, three of the Goldens arrived at the 3rd floor deck to join us.

Here you see Lilly, Ranger and Gus gazing longingly at the water beyond. The two older Goldens showed Gus how to maneuver the stairway, but Sammy is still in the observing stage. Our youngest will soon be joining them, but for now, we carry him up and down!

When I was a child, my world was rich with amazing role models. From my parents, grandmother, neighbors and teachers, I emulated the behaviors around me. Kindness, fairness, manners, honesty, sharing, respect and so much more happened right before my eyes...and I soaked it in.

All of the adults in my world seemed to easily share their generous spirits with everyone they met. Respect was modeled throughout my childhood and manners were displayed and expected in turn. People in the neighborhood shared their time and talents with all "the gang" and, as youngsters, we all watched, learned and mirrored their behaviors and warm hearts. What a wonderful way to grow!

With my own children (and Asher), my goal was to model behaviors instead of requiring them. Instead of telling my children to share, we would secretly drop off money at the homes of those less fortune. Without a word, my kids learned that hard work and a strong education would take someone far in this world. Lessons on kindness, fairness, respect and manners were taught through actions instead of mandates. Hopefully my children learned these attributes by witnessing modeling...not demands... like I did in my own childhood.

If you only "talk the talk" and don't "walk the walk," young ones will see right to the heart of the matter. They look for genuine emotions and actions without selfishness and, hopefully, soak in those qualities they witness.

Respect, kindness, manners, honesty, fairness and sharing are only taught by modeling for the young. Allowing them to feel the result in their hearts is a gift like no other.

Now, if Ranger, Lilly and Gus can just teach 80-pound Sam to go up the stairs at the cabin, I will be grateful!