I once heard a story told by General Colin Powell that I will never forget. He went to Russia during the post-cold war and met with Mikhail Gorbachev. General Powell was very sceptical and didn’t trust Mr. Gorbachev. During the meetings, it was obvious.
In the middle, Mr. Gorbachev stopped the conversation and said to him (paraphrasing), “General Powell, you are going to have to find a new enemy.”
Wow! Too many times I feel like I am fighting against my children. What would it be like if I just turned to them and said, “Son/Daughter, you are going to have to find a new enemy.” How would that change their outlook? How would that change mine?
I have tried this and it caught them off guard. They didn’t know what to say, but their whole attitude changed. Suddenly we both realized we should be working together, rather than thinking we are going separate directions. Because, in the end, we are definately trying to go in the same direction. I want them to grow up to be good, wholesome kids and (deep down inside) they do, too.
-Beth N., Vancouver, BC, Canada
