An elderly mother, needing some reassurance that she had done well by her children, recently asked them, “What were the most positive things about our home when you were a child?” Quickly the son said, “Love and acceptance.” The daughter added, “Yes, and the fun we had together.” Their comments were music to that mother’s ears.

Hers was a family who had little of the world’s goods, but what a rich heritage they gave their children! And this mother has now relinquished the parental role and enjoys a friendship with her grown children which many parents would envy.

Today, we are tempted to sacrifice time with our children in order to spend time making more money. But time spent developing character and lasting relationship is more valuable than any “thing.”

When Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize, she said: “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”