July: On Family

July 16

When it is in the nature of a parent to believe they always know what’s best and it is in the nature of a child to make their own way, there comes a time when one of them must willingly consult with their nature and persuade it to make a concession. For good or for bad, this must be the parent—or they risk becoming someone who would interfere with their child’s fate or destiny. They risk becoming someone who keeps their child from becoming the person they are meant to be. There comes a time, inevitably, to step aside.

But what is a parent to do if the concession leads to harm—or worse, to their child losing their life? Does the parent risk losing the child’s faith, trust, and even love in order to protect them?

The battle is long and continuous, but . . . I know what I would do—do you?

• Reflection title: Would You Do It All Over Again?
• Creative inspiration:  The Last of Us Part II
• Reflection question: Am I willing to make concessions to let those I love carve their own paths? How far is too far?