It has been happening since the beginning of time. Although no doubt the “rules” for parenting have changed quite a bit since Adam and Eve had their first couple of kids.
Since most of us do not live in a perfectly designed garden with God walking around — at least not in the sense where you can literally hear His footsteps (Genesis 3:8) — let’s say it’s always helpful to glean from other parents who have not only survived through the parenting years but who have thrived and live to tell about it.
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day ...
Most would agree that parenting is a privilege. At the same time, it can be the greatest challenge of our lives. That is because, for most parents, it is the only” trophy” they’ll keep on display for a lifetime.
Without getting too deep or theological, let me share a few important thoughts from my own experience in hopes that it will bring encouragement for whatever parenting season you are in.
Thought 1 : Be intentional.
Be intentional with the conversations you have with your kids, with what you allow (or don’t allow) for them to do or listen to, about what they watch, who they hang out with, what they wear, etc. It does matter, and you should care.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Thought 2 : Point them to wisdom.
Teach them how to make wise decisions at every opportunity. If you are saying yes, tell them why. If you are saying no, tell them why. Provide them with the moral reasons for the decisions you make for them or the ones you are helping them make.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise
Thought 3 : Speak the truth in love.
Truth takes people a long way, and so does love. Teach your children always to be truthful, keep their promises, and always walk in love. Jesus was the best at this, so check out his life and how he treated people who loved him and even those who didn’t like him.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
And with ALL of the above, PRAY!
Ask God for wisdom and grace in your parenting journey. Trust me; you’ll be glad you did!
3 Thoughts On Parenting For The Summer!
