It's a beautiful line in "Avatar", the movie by James Cameron.
"I see you."
It is the greeting given by the Omaticaya people meaning that they show deep appreciation for each other and affirm the presence of the other. They don't see the trappings and posturing of each other - they see each other for who they really are. It is a sign of deep respect.
As with so many things, this makes me again consider my children. Do I really see them? Do I truly appreciate them for who they are meant to be? It is easy to get caught up in the trappings of what I think my kids need to be like and what I think they should be.
If I really see my kids,
- I will treat them with sincerity and honour.
- I will respect their words and opinions.
- I will appreciate their humour,
- I will know their desires and dreams.
- I will follow their conversations and offer my guidance and wisdom as necessary.
Truly seeing my kids means I pay close attention to them and to what is happening around them. And that is paying attention to what matters to them and to the big picture of their lives. Perhaps seeing takes more listening than I thought - to see them with my eyes and my ears allows me to see them with my heart more clearly.
Really seeing someone means you need to look into their eyes - deeply. If we can honestly look our kids in the eyes, they will learn to trust us. Their eyes are what see us. And who do they see? Do they truly see me or do they see someone I'm pretending to be? Good question. Makes me wonder about the value of a life of integrity lived out in front of my kids.
I only pray that the attention I give leads them to believe they have been truly seen by a loving and interested father.
What helps you truly see your child?
No comments:
Post a Comment