Parenting is one of my favorite (and one of the hardest) jobs I’ve ever had. It’s amazing to think that God would entrust us with the responsibility of raising and training little humans. This is not something to be taken lightly. This takes sacrificial love, tough love (aka discipline) and flat out hard work.
Several years back when we had two little ones I reached out to a friend, who had eight kids, and asked her for any parenting tips she would be willing to share. She offered a variety of great advice but the thing I will never forget was this quote, “I offer God my best and ask Him to fill in the gaps.”
This is so beautiful. When we allow the Holy Spirit to be our teacher, He parents along side of us. Sometimes He changes our character to make us better parents. At other times, He protects our children in moments when we didn’t even know they needed protection. He shows us what each child needs in their own unique, God-given personalities.
Everyone says that these years pass quickly, and I believe it. If you are a parent with kids still in the house, I challenge you to make the most of this precious time you have with your children. If your kids are already grown, never underestimate the result that prayer and love produces.
There are many people way ahead of us on this journey (we are only 6 years in) but I pray that something God has shown us can be an encouragement to you. Whatever stage you are at in this process, it is not too late to allow the Holy Spirit to direct you in this responsibility.
The influence that we have within the home is extremely powerful. Our words are being processed. Our lives are being watched. Things we do consciously and unconsciously are being observed and repeated.
I know at some point our kids are going to face the temptations of this sinful world, but I never want that door to be opened inside of our home. I want our home to be a safe place to talk and discuss, learn and grow.
For those of you who are like me and enjoy reflection, here are four questions to ask yourself today:
- What have I done today to encourage my children in their gifts and talents
- What have we talked about today that would direct their thoughts to Jesus
- How have I responded to them (under pressure and in calm moments)
- Have I prayed for (and with) my children today
It’s never too late to start. It is my prayer that as we walk close to Jesus and introduce our children to Him, they will have a passion to know Him for themselves and they will be world changers.
Go love your kids today.
*Side Note
Shout out to my parents. I’m forever grateful for their example. They pointed us to Jesus and showed us by their lives what servanthood and unselfishness looks like.
everyday adventure 