Sometimes, as my kids get older, I find myself fast-forwarding to what I hope to tell them later.

When they’re ready. Like, when they cross the threshold and become parents themselves.

This is what came to mind this morning:

When you have your own little ones, your job is…

- to give them legs strong enough for the long haul.

- to make their arms sturdy enough to provide for themselves (and others).

- to nurture their innate abilities in whatever positive direction that leads.

- to mold their minds into the path of knowledge AND wisdom.

- to shape their hearts to be both tender enough to read others’ pain, and stout enough to bear their own.

- to stiffen their spine to stand up for themselves and for others who need them.

- to never give up seeking to model all of the above, no matter how feebly and imperfectly.

That is the exhilaratingly painful privilege - the joyous responsibility - of being a parent. It was my parents’ role, and my role, and now the torch is passed to you.

It’s your true legacy.