Influencing the Destiny of Future Super Heroes or Super Villains
- brofamilyantics
- Aug 14, 2014
- 3 min read
Every so often humanity gets lucky and a hero is born and these heroes shine in the sun. I find these optimistic words by Matthew Phillion, author of "The Indestructibles" incredibly comforting; but, also sobering. Children hold the keys that unlock the future; but, it is we, who by living in the present moment, with these precious children, have the opportunity to either nurture the hearts of tomorrow’s super heroes or blacken the souls of tomorrow's super villains. How's that for both optimistic and sobering?
Think about it. If you knew and understood that your child or a child in your circle of influence had the potential to be either the next great Super Hero or next terrifying Super Villain, what would you do differently, in this very moment, to affect the life of that child? If you knew that the lessons you are teaching will help to determine whether that little boy or little girl uses her powers for good or for evil what lessons would you choose to teach in the moment.
How would you behave when you are driving in traffic and late for an appointment? What words would you use, what demeanor would you take on, what behaviors would you demonstrate?
When you have a disagreement with a neighbor, co-worker, friend, or family member how would you explain the altercation to a child? How would you speak about the other person?
When someone is suffering and in need of your time and attention; but, you have so much to do, do you take time to demonstrate compassion in a way that a child can understand?
When your ears are tired, when your mind is frazzled, when you are trying to pay bills with money you don’t have, how would you respond to question number 1, 232 (33)(34)(35) and(36!)— in rapid fire succession— from a smiling child, who is awaiting your immediate response, that goes something like this,
“Why don’t chickens wear shoes ……Do frogs get married……Can the sun be blue tomorrow, because blue is my favorite color…Is blue your favorite color: or, do you like green..It is OK if you make the sun green instead of blue, if you like green better, because I want you to be happy and I love you”
The lessons learned in childhood become the foundation for decisions made in the future. If you knew what you say, how you say it and what you do will affect the foundation of a child, with the potential to become either the next great leader or next great anti-hero, what would you say, how would you say it and what would you do, right now and, from moment to moment?
Isn’t it interesting that we fret and worry over the state of affairs, at times feeling helpless; yet, each one of us has the capacity to make a difference in the life of a child? The destiny of a child is being determined from moment to moment as they watch, listen and learn from the “adults” around them.
What are you willing to do differently to make your future and the future of children more promising and full of hope? Every so often humanity gets lucky and a hero is born; and, these heroes shine in the sun. The children may hold the keys to the future; but, it is we who are teaching them what doors to open.
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