THE back-page photograph of the Goodwins (CL 16/5/10) was magnificent.
The parents, David and Belinda, are a handsome couple, reflected in their six beautiful children.
It was like a still from the ever enchanting and wholesome movie The Sound of Music.
But above all is their philosophy and precepts, all steeped in devotion to Christ.
They stand as great exemplars to all.
It proves something else, too – the family unit continues, and will always be, the bedrock of society, even though, and more so in our times, it’s being assailed and undermined from various quarters.
The human psyche is highly sensitive.
It follows, each and every one of us bring something from our original home and upbringing, the people who first impressed us or had an impact, combining to mould our character.
Most times it’s so innate we hardly notice it ourselves, but it’s there.
The formula is simple; children thrive on you giving them your time, love, happy surrounds and Christian ethics – telling them gently but certainly when wrong, extolling them when they do the right thing – that there is a code of conduct in every transaction and interaction in life.
Later, as grandparents, your children will judge you and give you honour way beyond your expectations, which is humbling.
To boast about your children is a fault.
As they make their way in life, it speaks for itself.
Sagaciously the Goodwins have enshrined, “To whom much is given much is expected.”
We are all missionaries as we go forth promoting the Good News, aware of the needs of others, and acting upon it according to our talents, the original gift of God.
(You can’t put in what God has left out.)
Sadly for a few, the home experience proved diabolical, if not devastating.
As adults, many go on to rise above it, embracing better values and stability while others struggle perilously.
There is not a moment in a child’s life that isn’t pulsating with destiny.
PJ KELLY
Brassall, Qld
