Checklist

Maayan wanted to come home for Shabbat, but she has a big test on Sunday. She has to stay in Jerusalem and study. I understand. I know she wants to succeed, to get good marks.

Xiu says that if you don't succeed now, when you're young, you'll get left behind. She says the four words that make the blood of every student freeze, I can almost hear the panic in her voice….

"I am not ready."

What do we parents do to our kids? Does this pressure come from us? Do we have a list of things we demand of our children and simply want to check it off?

□ Career
□ Success
□ Money
□ Marriage
□ Grandchildren

Maybe we screwed up somewhere. Maybe we should have given them another list. Maybe it should be:

□ Love
□ Decency
□ Happiness
□ Contentment
□ Confidence

Maayan, Megan-Xiu, I have this to say to you. It's important to do your best, but your best is good enough. You won't get left behind if you choose the right boat.

Solomon in all his glory was never clothed like the wild flowers in spring; the sparrow doesn't plan its life or even its day, but every one is in the Father's eye. Seek Him first, and all the other things will be added unto you. He will send you the boat you need.

So here's your new checklist:

□ God

So good luck and give it all you got, but just keep in mind that you will never have these years again, no matter how high you climb.

Love, Abba