The next “Greatest Generation”

Our next "Greatest Generation"!

Before I had children I didn’t think too much about the big picture in life. I knew I wanted a family and that I wanted to fulfill my potential (whatever that might turn out to be!) But a much older and wiser Melissa and 3 kids later, I realize that our future is not in what I can accomplish, it’s what these little guys and gals will do. And it’s imperative that I not sit by and watch them grow, but nurture their physical bodies, their intellectual minds and their character.

As I watch the news and see the protesting, the fighting, the lying and the self-absorption that is now our society and our lives, I am convicted with the will to raise my children with a sense of character. Life is not just about stuff, how much stuff you have, how expensive your stuff is, and having more stuff than anyone else. It’s about family, love, friendship, fulfillment, honesty and faith. These are not the glamorous things, the most watched or the most written about ideals. But these are the things that we all long for as we mature, not a bigger TV or fancier car.

My grandparents were part of what is considered to be “The Greatest Generation”. They were simple but loving people. They went to church every Sunday and taught Sunday school for the kids and served as deacons and mentors. They worked hard but loved even harder. There was never a time that I can remember them wanting any more stuff, only more love from the people in their lives. Family and God came first and doing the right thing was expected.

This is the type of environment I wish for my kids to grow. A nurturing, loving and full home of conversation, explanation and imagination. Character is one of those elusive terms that can sometimes be difficult to explain to young children. This is why I started Bee-Tees. I needed a reason to bring up kindness, fairness and honesty in our daily lives. What better catalyst to a preschooler than a cartoon character?! I will begin these conversations with my twins in a few months as well. I can only hope that as they grow, this meaningful time with Mom and Dad and the home that we have created for them will define their personality and their character. And they can be a part of the next “Greatest Generation”.