I was in a local store recently when I saw something that opened a window into my soul, which helped let in a little more light.
I had just picked up some shampoo and was headed to the pet supplies to get some dog food for my furry friends. I decided to take a shortcut through one of the toy aisles. Blocking my way, however, was a young father and his four-year-old daughter. The little girl was pleading (恳求) with her dad to buy her a new doll. The dad was being gentle but firm, telling her they couldn't afford it right now. Finally, the daughter burst into tears and said angrily, "I hate you!"
I thought that the father would get mad at her for this outburst. I knew that I probably would do so when I was his age. Instead he just smiled down at her, put his hand on her head, and said, "That's alright. You'll love me later." I stood there in amazement as he took her hand and they walked off. Then it dawned on me that I had been in this situation many times myself over the yearsbut not as the father.
In my childhood, many times I grew angry with my parents when I felt my requests weren't being answered. Through them all, though, my parents were still patient, loving, and kind to me. They knew that I didn't understand why certain things had to happen the way they did. They knew that my anger was a part of my growing up spiritually in this world. They knew that I would love them later.
Now I have grown up and become a parent of two children. I have deeper understanding of parents' behavior in different situations. They love their next generation, but more than that, they also know that they should love them in a proper way. Raising a healthy child means to help him grow both mentally and physically. That is why we need to trust our parents' love and give them ours as well. It is never too late to love them. It is never too late to invite them into your soul. It is never too late to let their light guide your life.
