dilblog

In our families we best learn responsibility, generosity, obedience, and fidelity. Many popular books, however, are not exactly the kind you want your kids to read. Should your children come across books that don’t seem to jive with the values you taught them, point out that you believe in the marital commitment and in families that work at resolving problems.

Ok, so we couldn’t resist that play on our magazine’s name. But the point is, everyone in the family should be encouraged to read books.

Parents are often reluctant to spend anything more than a hundred for a book. It does seem risky.

If you choose good authors and award winners, chances are your child will find the book appealing especially if you take the trouble to read it out to him. Even if the child is lukewarm about the book you’ve chosen, don’t despair. Wait a few months and re introduce it. Or wait till your younger child is ready for that particular book.

True, a good school will have a well stocked library. However, owning a book is different. There is no pressure to finish it on the due date, no limit to the frequency of reading, no prohibition against making a dog ears and all the delights of ownership.

“What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye”

Today, more than half a century later, we can found more than ever that the quote is true.

We live in a highly visual world. Music that was “heard” only a decade ago is now “seen” on MTV. Corporate presentations that were handed out in typewritten sheets now use Powerpoint, complete with colored charts and moving images. Television, computer screens and videophones have long replaced the radio, typewriter and the old fashioned telephone.

But dear parents, we also want you to look beyond that. Certainly our children deserve more than a beautifully wrapped package. Listen to what they have to say. It isn’t the gift that counts. Let us help them learn that what we want for families isn’t a commercial holiday, but a chance to recognize the presence of Christ in our lives and the opportunity to share that with others. Let us help them look beneath that pretty face and see that she’s got substance that counts much more.

The beauty is really within, what is really important is the content and not the display. Learn how to appreciate what is really inside learn to believe even if not seen.