Monday, June 20, 2011

97) Teach children lessons - through example.

"You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips." Oliver Goldsmith

A welcoming party was assembled at the railway station for Dr Albert Schweitzer - Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1953, and missionary who spent his whole life among the poorest in Africa. As the train stopped a tall man stepped out of his compartment to cheers of those waiting. Senior officials shook his hands and the media feasted on the event. He thanked them warmly, but quickly excused himself to go across to an elderly black woman who was struggling with her bags to board the train. Dr Albert helped her with her bags and wished her a safe journey. Returning to the people gathered to greet him, he excused himself for keeping them waiting.

In the crowd, an admirer remarked: "That is the first time I ever saw a sermon walking".

As parents we ought to remember this story and the implication on the example we set our children. Our life, more than our lips will edify our children.