As I walked through the aisles of Costco, I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and concern for the future of our children. My son, who just recently turned one, is at the beginning of his life, and I'm already worried about the world he'll grow up in. As a new father, I'm still learning and navigating the complexities of parenthood, but one thing I know for sure: I want to raise my child to fear the Lord, be strong, healthy, and curious, with a love for learning and exploration.
As I looked around at the other people shopping, I was struck by the stark contrast between my values and those of the average American. A very large percentage of parents are settling for a lifestyle that prioritizes convenience and instant gratification over quality and substance. I saw many children staring at phones and tablets, sitting in grocery carts filled with sugary snacks, and processed foods. Alarm bells were sounding in my mind as I thought about the long-term effects on these kids' physical and mental health. Like every parent, my children will grow up in a different version of the world than I did, and it is causing me to think… what will the effect on my son be, growing up around children who seem to be at such a disadvantage physically and mentally?
As someone who believes that humans are created in the image of God, I believe we have a responsibility to live at peace with others as long as far as it depends on us, and to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. This includes the way we eat, move, and interact with the world around us. By feeding my son real, whole, foods and cultivating in him a love of movement, I'm trying to instill in him the values of health and wellness that will serve him well throughout his life. As I shopped, I chose high-quality meats, fish, fruits, and cheeses. I felt a sense of defiance against the culture that wants my family fat, sick, and lacking critical thinking skills. I'm choosing to invest in my family's health and well-being, even if it means that more of my budget goes towards healthy food.
It is not just about individual choices, however; it's about the broader cultural context in which we're raising our children. I am frustrated and concerned by the fact that so many parents seem to be prioritizing ease and convenience over quality and substance, which stands as a reminder of the challenges we face as a society. I understand that socioeconomic factors play a significant role in shaping our choices and opportunities. That's why I believe so strongly that adopting a personal Bitcoin standard would empower parents to provide better quality for their families. By storing our purchasing power in Bitcoin, we have more opportunity as time goes on, not less. Culture needs a serious shift back towards self-sufficiency, and personal responsibility, so we can create a better future for our children.
Ultimately, I want my son to grow up in a world surrounded by strong friends and family who encourage him to grow and push himself. I want to live in a community that values health, learning, and exploration, and that supports families in their efforts to raise strong, capable, and curious children. As I look to the future, I'm left wondering: what kind of world do we want to create for our children, and what will it take to get there?