The 12 Virtues

As a part of the "4 Keys to Spiritual Parenting" we, as parents, are looking for daily opportunities to Learn, Model, and Train our children on the 12 Virtues.  This is a highly intentional process and, in most cases, could take many years to become a habit for us to really engage in this idea daily.  What I  thought would be helpful is to give us some practical ideas, as well as reminders, of how we might be able to Learn, Model, and Train these 12 Virtues in our homes more effectively.

According to N.T. Write, virtue is what happens when someone has made a thousand small choices, requiring effort and concentration, to do something which is good and right, but which doesn’t come “naturally” and then on the one thousandth and first time, when it really matters, they find that they do what’s required “automatically.” It might seem like it “just happens.” But virtue is what happens when wise and courageous choices have become “second nature.”  Just like anything in life, virtue takes hard work. 

Below are the 12 Virtues and their definitions that we will be using for the next several months.  I will be sending a blog a week to give you time to look for the opportunities and execute the Modeling and/or Training.  I'd love your feedback on how you Learned, Modeled, or Trained your children in your home.  

Defining the 12 Virtues

Accountability - Being disciplined to be responsible.

Communication - Listening and speaking with clarity and respect.

Faith - Trusting in what you can’t see because of what you can.

Forgiveness - Deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.

Hard Work - Seeing what needs to be done and doing it.

Honesty - Choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do.

Love - Choosing to give someone your time and friendship no matter what.

Patience - Waiting until later for what you want now.

Positive Attitude - Looking for the good in all situations.

Respect - Showing others that they are important by what you say and do.

Humility - Putting others firstly giving up what you think you deserve.

Wisdom - Learning what you should do and doing it