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easily lose their bearings and self-control. Family life offers a special chance to practice patience, compromise, and sacrifice, and move from “I” to “we.” Like unpolished gems tossed together, our rough edges are smoothed and refined until we shine. As a result, the family relationship becomes a precious treasure.
Protecting and Guiding the Family
Sai Baba’s love has brought guidance and courage to our family. Many years ago, Sam and I went to Baba with deep concerns about our daughters’ education, as well as worries about our permissive society and the public school system. Drinking alcohol was a popular activity even among pre-teens, along with sarcastic and negative behavior. “Baba, the public schools are weak, and human values are disintegrating. Should we send our daughters to a private school?”
Sai Baba responded, “No, the schools are all alike. You must talk to your children; see what is on their minds. You don’t always know what they are thinking.” He was emphasizing the importance of listening to our children with open hearts, without anger or prejudgment. I suddenly realized how fortunate we were to have the awareness and protection of God. “Baba,” I began, “without you...” Sai Baba interrupted me, and in a serious tone that chilled both Sam and me, said, “Yes. Without me, ALL would be lost.”
The world is in pain. We are exploiting and abusing beautiful mother earth. Children are exposed to innumerable negative forces such as drugs, excessive sensuality, materialism, and violence. In this present day chaos, children are confused. They instinctively know what is right but are easily influenced by negative peer pressure. Although they want to be good, they don’t want to look like goody-goodies. They also lose their innocence as they witness horrific events befalling good people.
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