My copy of “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran arrived a few days ago.
And what a treasure it is.
It is a book to be savored in small bits and pieces,
with words to be read over and over.
Several people told me about the section on Children, so it was the first place I went…
On Children by Kahlil Gibran
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 children as 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.
I love this.
I hope to think I have raised my boys this way…
respecting that they have their own thoughts…
not forcing mine on them.
It was the greatest privilege of my life to house their bodies,
but I will never own their souls.
I’m so proud of the men they have become.
Sometimes we have different opinions, sometimes we disagree, but I have, do, and will always respect them immensely…
and love them all the same.
This was not necessarily the way I was raised, but that only makes me feel all the more convicted about it.
I am honored to bend my bow with gladness, and shoot two blazing, sharp, strong arrows into the world.
May all of our children be as unique and individual as they desire, like each snowflake that falls and blows in the wind and catches on thistly bushes. And may we love them all and cherish their beauty.
With much love and pride to my Jake and Nick,
Your Mom
the creative life in between 
Beautiful. In his book, Kahlil Gibran’s words regarding children are the most touching. I return to them time and again. I am touched by what you have to say about your own children and the way you brought them up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sona. I appreciate you reading and your kind comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! This is a book I will have to add to my list!! So touching! Thanks so much for sharing! I think I will be re-reading your post for awhile 🙂 Sounds like you were a wonderful Mom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
and should add still are one! Even tho our kid may grow up, we never stop being a Mom!!
LikeLike
Thanks – I was thinking – hey! still am – LOL! Nope – Never ever. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awh! Thanks JR. Being a mom is just about my favorite thing in the world. Sure didn’t do everything right, but I am so blessed to have raised two such amazing sons! (but then don’t all moms feel that way?!??!) 🙂 One of the greatest gifts of life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read the passage in a while and am so happy to see it here this morning. I’ve always loved the “house of tomorrow” phrase and that the archer loves the bow as well as the arrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes – thank you for encouraging me to get this and especially to read this page(s) Barbara. Every word of it has such impact. The house of tomorrow holds so much hope!
LikeLike
This is something every parent should read occasionally
Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so agree. I’m glad you enjoyed, Diane.
LikeLike
Wow. Just another post from you that blows me away and brings a tear to my eye. You do with words and photos what I *attempt* to do with my artwork. Lovely, lovely, through and through. Thanks for your posts. I hope you have a wonderful week.
LikeLike
I just recently came across Khalil Gibrain’s work and i love them. Thank you so much for sharing his poems. I’ve already made an announcement that i want his book for my next birthday haha 🙂
LikeLike
This is a beautiful post Jodi. I am sure you were and are an excellent parent and mother. The love you exude from you post clearly shows that. I think you are going to ace the poetry class. So please be kind and help me..I really suck at poetry. LOL! I haven’t read Kahill Gibran’s poetry since my college days. (That is a long time ago. haha!) I truly loved it then and still do. ((HUGS!)) xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks PJ. I have no clue where this poetry class will go. Very new territory for me too. We will support each other. 😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
We will do great!! :poo:
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two Blazing arrows!!! Two of the brightest souls… I love them both and feel so blessed to have seen them turn into such awesome young men! May you each shine on going forth with warmth and love!!
LikeLike
Awh! Sweet Janet – and they love you so so much as well! We all do my sista friend! See you next week! Sunny Florida here I come! xo
LikeLike
Beautiful! Hope I have done the same with my girls.
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you are saying that, Cindy, I am guessing you have 🙂
LikeLike
“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings.” Holding Carter, Jr.
LikeLiked by 1 person
so true – thanks Marguerite!
LikeLike
Glad you like it as much as I do. I think we all try to follow the ideas he expresses. There is another part in that says: give wings so that the May fly and roots so that the come home. Not with the correct rhythm that he uses.
LikeLiked by 1 person
that is the ultimate goal – that they have the freedom to choose – and they choose to come home. 🙂
LikeLike
What beautiful words. Thank you for sharing. I think I have a new book to purchase. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you enjoyed. It is a lovely book to be savoured
LikeLiked by 1 person