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A couple from Shanghai was charged with the possibility of going to jail for many years after allegedly selling their baby daughter to buy an iPhone and other luxury items as reported by Yahoo.
While this news article is indeed shocking, I so appreciated Ryan Tan’s comment when he posted the news article on his Instagram.
“Before you judge, ask yourself: Am I “selling” my own kids for success, money, fame, convenience?”
He is absolutely right.
While as a parent, I may not be literally selling my kids to a buyer, it is possible that in my pursuit of career, financial gain, or maybe even ministry, I am already sacrificing my children in the altar of success.
This thought pushes me to think about a few things…
1. TIME
Do I spend most of my time for personal gain or maybe even on something world changing while neglecting moments of building life with my kids?
2. WORDS
Do my words build up or do they tear my kids down?
Worse, I don’t even speak to my kids to connect with them.
3. AFFECTION
Do I spend moments to tell them that they are valuable to me?
As an indication of that value, do I physically express my affection by giving them a high five, pat in the back or hug?
I often hear Joey Bonifacio’s voice and his proverbial “Dying Breath” visualization.
“When you are catching your last few breaths in your death bed, the ones who will be around you will not be your golfing buddies. They will be there an hour, maybe 2. It will not be your officemates nor your high school friends. It will be your spouse who has stayed with you all these decades. It will be your children who have been your source of joy for years. It will be your family who will be holding your hand in those last few moments on earth. With this in mind, guess who you should be investing your most precious moments with?”
Just a thought. A good one at that.
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