76 DECEMBER 2023 | INTHEVUE.COM AS DECEMBER’S CHILL USHERS IN the season of giving, our thoughts often turn to the tangible tokens of love we’ll place under the tree. But as a leader, I’ve come to realize that the most profound gifts we can offer to the children in our lives are not those that can be wrapped and ribboned. Instead, they are the intangible legacies of character, confidence, and faith. Imagine, if you will, a Christmas morning where the gifts we give our children could be the building blocks of their future selves. A morning where, alongside the latest set of Legos, we give them the tools to construct a life of purpose and passion. This is the premise I invite you to explore; what gifts are you truly giving the kids in your life? In the spirit of the season, let’s unwrap this concept together. Every child looks up to the adults in their lives with eyes full of wonder and hearts open to learning. They are the silent observers of our actions, the eager recipients of our wisdom, and the blank slates of potential. It’s a profound responsibility, one that extends beyond the parents to every adult who has the privilege of influencing a young life. The gifts that matter most are those that cannot be held but are felt deeply. The gift of time, for instance, is a treasure chest of undivided attention and shared experiences. It’s in these moments that we can impart lessons of kindness, empathy, and the joy of being present. Then there’s the gift of challenge, wrapped not in shiny paper, but in opportunities that push them beyond their comfort zones. It’s in these challenges that children discover resilience, learn the value of hard work, and build the strength to face life’s adversities. Let’s not forget the gift of encouragement, a powerful affirmation that can boost a child’s confidence to towering heights. It’s the fuel for their dreams and the wind beneath their wings as they soar towards their potential. And perhaps the most enduring gift we can offer is the gift of faith. Not just in a religious sense, but faith in themselves, in the goodness of others, and in the journey they are on. It’s a compass for their spirit and an anchor for their soul. As adults, we have the daily opportunity to gift these virtues through our actions and our words. Every interaction is a chance to deposit a little more into their moral and emotional bank accounts. These are the gifts that will not be outgrown or forgotten by the time the snow melts. They are the gifts that shape character, forge leaders, and create a legacy. So this Christmas, as you navigate the sea of advertisements and the pressure to find the perfect physical present, I challenge you to think deeper. Consider the lasting impact of what you give. Let’s commit to being the givers of patience, the architects of courage, and the mentors of faith. In the end, the true measure of our gifts won’t be found under the tree, but in the hearts and lives of the children we cherish. These are the gifts that truly keep on giving, long after the holiday lights dim. Let’s make this Christmas one where we give gifts that endure, teaching our children to build not just with their hands, but with their hearts and lives as well. BUILDING A LEGACY BEYOND THE WRAPPING PAPER THE GREATEST GIFTS: Forging LEADERS { b y R y a n C o n n }
