Lifestyle Choices

This is the most important step of all, for no house can be a real home unless those who live there hold ideals that are kind, noble, and good. Without high ideals it is easy for even the best of homes to drift apart. There must always be some things that will hold the family together, such as family worship, in which all the members may share. These happy occasions are not likely to come by accident but must be carefully planned by the parents. They should become a part of a child’s life from his earliest years. Doing things together is often the secret of holding a home together. Such occasions provide the happiest memories for each of the children in their later years. If parents want to create a happy home, they must follow a definite program of pleasant family activities.

Where do we learn these ideals? Usually from the best of books. Unfortunately, too many people never open a good book from one year’s end to the other. They probably glance at the newspaper to see the comic sections and perhaps read the gossip of the town, but they fail to fill their minds with thoughts that are higher and better. This is one way to contribute to a nervous breakdown. Many years ago the wise man said that as a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This is true. The thoughts that are uppermost in our minds will make us what we are, whether good or evil.

Many a mentally ill person has been made that way because of the things his mind has been dwelling on for months or years. For example, the person who spends his time reading about crime is bound to be vastly affected by what he reads. The wise parent will choose books of the better type in order to guide his children away from wanting to spend their time absorbing trash. He will want them to enjoy the finest programs over the radio and on the television screen, affording them the opportunity to choose wisely for themselves when they come to the age of accountability.

Mothers especially need to be careful of the things they say and do, for their influence is far- reaching. Let me illustrate by a story from the early days in America, when the settlers were few and far between. For years they had been harassed by roving bands of native Indians who often carried off their children as captives. Finally the settlers banded together and forced the marauding bands to sue for peace. Part of the conditions for peace included the return of all the children who had been stolen. On the appointed day when the children were gathered together, the parents came to claim their own. But this was not easy, for many of the children had grown out of all recognition. No one knew for sure to which family he might belong. Most of them had forgotten their native tongue. How could the settlers help these children find their own homes?

Then someone had a brilliant idea. They lined up all the children and young people in two long lines. Then they sent each mother slowly down the line, singing the same cradle songs she used to sing when she was feeding her baby. It was a wonderful sight. Here and there a tall young man or a charming girl would recognize that song of early childhood and throw his or her arms about that mother from whom each had so long been separated. This went on all day, until by evening all the children had found their own homes. It was the songs of the mothers that reunited the families and brought happiness to all.

Never underestimate the power of a mother on the life of her child. There is nothing greater in this world. Those early years are the most important of all. They produce memories that stay with us as long as we live. If a mother is to succeed in the task to which she has been called, she needs high and noble ideals in her own life. Her influence is supreme during those early growing years in the life of her child.

This is the reason why some homes succeed and others fail. The way we choose to live will be the result of the thoughts that constantly fill our minds. The higher our ideals the more beautiful will be the homes we create. Noble thoughts will lift our minds above pettiness, quarreling, and personal jealousy. When a home is built upon a foundation of true love and affection on the part of all, the result will be a “little heaven on earth.” The atmosphere will be one of peace and rest, contentment and happiness.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Ideals for Happy Living, hold the Family together

• Building a Happy Home, True Happiness, in any Language home is a more beautiful word
• How Does the Fact that You Have a Career and Children Compare with your Siblings' Lives?
• Making Time to Read
• Building a Happy Home, True Happiness, in any Language home is a more beautiful word, sense of Security
• Are you unable to concentrate on anything and dislike reading? Home Decoration
• Instant Medical attention and Health Care
• Past history and personality
• Marriage and Families continue...
• Do you have any role models for a balanced life?
• Do you have any Role Models for a Balanced Life?