A Parent's Influence

After the birth of his first child a son asked his father, “How much influence will I have in my son’s life and how far will my influence extend?” The father looked at his son and smiled… “Well son, that depends.” “Will your children grow up to be kind and loving?” “Will they be people you are proud of?” That depends on if you’re teaching them how to be kind, how to be gentle… how to love.” “Will they grow up with prejudices?” “Will hate and bigotry they pursue?” “That depends on while they’re growing up if they see hate or acceptance in you.” “Will they grow up unselfish and generous, or will they in themselves be immersed?” “That depends of if your teaching them to put themselves or others first.” “Will they grow up greedy and miserly… will they take what isn’t theirs?” “That depends on if you’re teaching them not only how to accumulate but how to share?” “Will your children grow up happy or will they end up sad and blue?” His dad looked him in his eyes and said, “Son, that depends on you.” He is proud of the adults his children grew up to be and when they ask him how far their influence will extend he’ll be ready with his answer he will tell them…that depends.