As parents we keep our personal worlds revolving by wearing many hats. Our most sacred position is to take care of those we have been entrusted with – those little gifts of life. A good parent does that with love, encouragement, protection and a hand that “adjusts” the character of each little one, when needed.
As I woke this morning I began praying for our country; all the governors and mayors in each state are currently facing difficult decisions and choices. They are in need of God’s wisdom as they decide what is best to keep the children safe.
Growing up there were three of us and at different times throughout our lives we found ourselves at odds with the decisions or restrictions implemented in our home. There were three types of response – the “just go with it”, the “whiner and complainer” and the “rebellious” one.
A good parent looks to the needs for the whole family. They are not swayed by outside manipulation, by the children’s whining and complaining or by the outright rebellion of some. They notice those that are willing and just go with it and are encouraged by them. They focus on what is best for the whole family. In the midst of stressful times their outlook must be filled with love and encouragement, as well as, the farsighted ability to protect from harm, while directing each toward a growth outcome that will ultimately make them stronger while adjusting the character of each child as needed. This is a huge and often lonely job!
I am grateful for my parents’ hand in my life and for the gift of having three children who I have had the great honor to parent. The job is often lonely, thankless and always sacrificial but is the greatest job you will ever accomplish in this life.
So, as I pray for every state in our country – for each governor, mayor and leader – I pray for God’s wisdom and the strength to stay the course as a good parent whose number one priority is to keep the children safe as they encounter all three of these children. I give thanks for the hard decisions they are making. And as children, I pray that we would think about our responses to the decisions and restrictions that have been implemented in our house. We need to choose to be willing to walk in peace whenever possible – lifting our character choices up to God for His “adjustment” before we step into the role of “whiner, complainer” or “rebel.” Our choices can affect and possibly destroy our house – our family!
Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (ESV)
Unearthing His Treasures 