Super smart dogs
will bring the mail to you, wake you when it is time to get out of bed, or,
those with colossal smarts can make a pot of coffee, vacuum the bedroom, or
change a baby’s diaper. Our dog is not that smart. She does however; make a
point to keep us protected from most airplanes that fly near our home and the
many birds that think they have the right to our trees and rooftops.
I feel no threat
but allow her to bark a threat since this purpose of hers is clearly
determined. “Good girl” I say, “Get that airplane.” Although useless, she
appreciates the fact that she has a purpose in life. I know, I can read her
mind. While most dogs sleep, eat, and go for walks, Cali barks at planes. I’m
pretty certain that if we failed to recognize her unmatched skill, her
self-assurance and value would dip considerably. She may have resorted to
prescription drugs by this time.
People need
purpose; something to do that is of value. Children need purpose too. Instead
of assuming my innate role of doing everything for every member of my family, at
all times, I need to allow our kids to have purpose in our family. Zac helps
with cooking. We depend on him and he enjoys his role, Maddi always makes sure
that the kitchen is clean since she is often the last to leave, Carson loves to
help with the dogs and has been know to bathe them without our asking, and Ty
is our researcher and finds information on the internet that we need.
Find what your
children enjoy doing in order to determine their purpose in the family. When
they are younger they can help with getting the mail, wiping counters, or
sucking up kitchen crumbs with the hand held vacuum. As they get older ask them
what they like to do. They can help with food preparation, wash the inside of
the cars with wet wipes, or water the indoor plants. They can stock toilet
paper rolls in the bathrooms, organize your junk drawer, or brush the dog. Not
everything needs to be chore related, but some enjoy tasks. If they are more
relational, have them place the order at the drive through window, or have Face
Time conversations with friends and relatives.
Cali may not be
super smart, but she knows her purpose. Thanks to her, our yard only gets an
occasional airplane flying overhead. Now, if we could get her to scare away the
flies, our backyard would be perfect. Perhaps one of our children could take on
that task.
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