July: On Family

July 21

The important thing here, I think—and yes, it’s complicated (but what isn’t in this thing we call life?)—is that we must teach our children, the next generation, that actions have consequences. Great, we can all get on board with that. We don’t want the world falling into further chaos. But more than that, while imparting this timeless knowledge, we must remember two things:

1. Don’t just say it. Teach them through your actions. And your thought process. Think out loud with them when making decisions. Show them how to assess pros and cons. Teach them how to anticipate how their actions will not only impact them positively or negatively, but also others.

2. This isn’t a zero-sum game. We don’t want them to choose the “right” thing just because they might get caught and punished for choosing the “wrong” thing. We want them to weave their own moral fabric, to draw their own map in life that leads them to the treasure of virtuous action. We want them to choose the right thing because that’s the right thing to do.

We all know someone who believes their actions don’t have consequences—or who doesn’t give a shit about the ripple effect of their decisions as long as they’re still the ones benefitting. Too many of those people in the world. Too many in power. Let’s teach the young to slow down, think carefully, and consider their next move while considering others.

• Reflection title: Natural Consequences
• Creative inspiration: Eastin DeVerna, Lux: From the Kingdom of Darkness
• Reflection question: Do I consider the consequences of my own actions? What’s my thought process, and how am I teaching the next generation how to act?