"The Arrow and the Bow"

I can tell by the traffic that school is about to start. Everyone is back from their vacations. The stores are packed with shoppers aiming to cross dozens of items off of their lengthy supply lists before the big first day.

My youngest sister, and baby brother (who really isn't a baby at all) have started back at their classes already. They are both in college - and with my other sister and I on opposite coasts - it's once again an empty house for my parents.

While I hear many friends and co-workers talking of the last few days of summer camp for their little ones - and how difficult it is to occupy a child all summer long - I've heard a very different story coming from my Mom. Rather, the past weeks have been comments similar to, "What will I do when they go back to school . . . I'm going to miss them . . . When will I see you next . . . Do you think everyone will come home for Christmas . . . I wish that you all were closer."

I was thinking about my own daughter - and how big and smart she already is. I was thinking about her growing up - and then innocently going away to college - but possibly like me, meeting a man that would become her husband - finding a career that she loves, and setting down thousands of miles away from me. I was sad - I was anxious - and she is only one year old. I already felt that I just couldn't possibly have enough time with her!!

Recently, I was sharing this story with one of my co-workers, and she shared a remarkable poem with me. It gave me such a great perspective - I needed to share it . . . and especially with you, Mom.

"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your childrens living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness; For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

- Kahlil Gibran, 'On Children'


Although this poem was written about 100 years ago - it could not be more relevant.

I hope it gives you perspective and purpose - and inspires you to be the strong bow that allows your children to fly.

Cheers.