Investing in our Greatest Assets

Day 101 of Photo Inspirations -- Investing in Our Greatest Assets
For the last few days, I've been in Texas and absolutely amazed at the caliber of talent that these hundreds of "home-schooled" kids have amassed in their young lives.  My two Texas grandchildren, Payton Wallace​ and Alexia Wallace​ gave stellar performances in their own right, which certainly made this Nana proud, but watching all of these students stepping up to give debates on international issues (way over my head in understanding), as well as speeches on strategic and impressive topics --  before complete strangers, and with composure, poise and finesse.  It was incredible.

I know I continue to be on my soapbox as I encourage parents to invest in their kids. No other asset we have gives such unsurpassed rewards.  Payton progressed on to semi-finals and I loved it when Alexia wanted to buy him his favorite red velvet cupcake and give him this sweet card to congratulate him.

 Payton was always convinced he wanted to be in debate and speech, but, our Alexia, on the other hand, needed a little more encouragement and nudging from her parents.  Unlike her Mama, she hasn't yearned for the stage, but now, after taking to the stage, we're seeing her blossom so beautifully, and, in fact, now handles it as second nature.  She placed 1st in several of her speech competitions.  It won't be long before she's moving up in the rankings.  In the meantime, she is a girl that loves having fun.  She is a free spirit -- and as seen in these photos, we just  HAD to go shopping a little between the rounds!  LOL!

Maybe I'm "old school" but I still think it's important for parents to guide and reinforce what they see as potential talents and abilities in their kids -- and then to stretch them or gently push them towards opportunities that they know will make them better in life and give them an unlimited future of possibilities.  

When I first got down to Dallas, Staci had the kids give their speeches to me.  If they faltered, she'd make them start over again.  Oh, that brought back so many memories to me.  Staci's Daddy would do that to her. We had a sound system set up in our basement, and he'd make her practice her singing over and over again --until she was in tears.  Now, she looks back and thanks her Daddy for his coaching and pushing her to be the best she could be.  We knew she was God's gift and asset to us and we were responsible for "multiplying" that investment.

What are you doing with your greatest assets? Technology (iPads, iPhones, video games, etc.) is a great thing -- but, perhaps it's time to put technology away for a while so these precious assets are learning how to cook, how to speak or sing or play an instrument, or play a sport, or how to make crafts or take photos, etc. etc.  I promise you.....every hour you dedicate to their future -- will be multiplied in rewards to you as you see what they become!