I made the decision when each of my boys was born that I would not get them baptized into my parent’s church (Episcopalian). I was raised in that religion and I have not practiced in my heart ever. I did not see the need to baptize them in that faith. I also did not ‘give’ them any religion when they were infants. I feel that one has to make that decision themselves on what religion to hold. But should I guide them? Should I at least be showing to them one faith so that they do have a concept of religion and the need for faith in something? Will they not understand unless shown some sort of option?
Maybe it is time to become more active. I remember just a few years ago marking the year by all the Pagan holidays and skipping the Christian ones. I am not sure that I should be so exclusive with the kids due to the fact that they do live in a ‘mixed culture’ world. Or do I take the tone of the Christian religions and only celebrate our holidays at home… taking them out of school for Candlemas and Yule. Does it matter? Will it impact them in some way? Will it make them resent my religion and turn to another?
I guess the real question is if there truly is something lacking in their lives due to a lack of a formal religion. I realize that one does not need religion to be whole – but I do feel that every person needs some sort of spirituality to feel complete. I do not know how to ‘instruct’ my kids on spirituality without having some type of home religion. I am not against teaching them my faith but I am not sure when, how, or even if it is necessary. I think that I might enjoy it – but it would take some beginning effort to draw it back into my everyday life.
This is one of those things they don’t warn you about when they let you have kids to raise. Just like hysterical screams at 6:30 am by a toddler that just wants more milk but sounds as though his left arm had been ripped off by a wild boar…and also the fact that he can scream like this for a full 45 minutes or more depending on how badly he wants that milk.
Damn sleep – who needs it.
Well, I do. I pretty much passed out last night at around 9:30 pm. I was in the middle of my Plant Pathology studying and I decided to take a quick break and sit up on the bed to talk to TBND. Well, about 5 minutes later I was totally passed out. I barely remember the rest of the evening. I had some dreams that kept waking me up because I was hearing the phone ringing in my dreams (at least I think it was only in my dreams) I feel a lot better today except that even though I was able to get the kids up, changed, dressed and into their fall coats…I seemed to forget mine completely and yes, at 8:30 this morning it was a balmy 45 degrees out with a massively cold wind. Damn. I froze most of the morning till I got to work where the heat was on.
BBBRRRRR!