How soon do we start teaching our kids what is important? Today if not sooner. When I was pregnant, I would tell my Snowflake, "I hope you grow into a kind, helpful, hardworking young woman who loves Christ more than anyone or anything else. Be a child and woman after God's own heart." There is nothing wrong (and many good things with) be a game winning athlete, A+ student or Nobel Prize winning scientist. Those things are good, but after the celebration is over you may be in a book, but you are forgotten.
Think about it. Who won the last three to four Super Bowls (World Series, Stanley Cups, Triple Crowns, or whatever sport you follow)? Who are the three to four kindest people in your life? Which list was easier? For me it is naming people in my circle who are kind and I love the NFL, horse racing, gymnastics, NASCAR and baseball. Yet, even though I know stats, I can quickly name the people that are kind. They bring a bigger smile to my face than trophy winners.
Super Bowls may get you fame and money but you are quickly forgotten when the next season starts. Kindness goes a long way. You will age out of sports, you won't age out of loyalty. Trust, kindness, loyalty it all lasts a lifetime and matters more. I'd rather be around kind people than famous people.
From day one our kids need to know their true worth. They need to know what really matters. They need to know how to be good friends. They need to know the value of hard work, of community involvement, of sharing gifts of time and yes talent. It is ok to be talented. It is great to be a good singer and share your gift on stage, to tour the world tickling the ivories of grand pianos. It is great to spend your Saturdays cleaning poop at a pet rescue.
Our kids need the spiritual armor from God.
Think about it. Who won the last three to four Super Bowls (World Series, Stanley Cups, Triple Crowns, or whatever sport you follow)? Who are the three to four kindest people in your life? Which list was easier? For me it is naming people in my circle who are kind and I love the NFL, horse racing, gymnastics, NASCAR and baseball. Yet, even though I know stats, I can quickly name the people that are kind. They bring a bigger smile to my face than trophy winners.
Super Bowls may get you fame and money but you are quickly forgotten when the next season starts. Kindness goes a long way. You will age out of sports, you won't age out of loyalty. Trust, kindness, loyalty it all lasts a lifetime and matters more. I'd rather be around kind people than famous people.
From day one our kids need to know their true worth. They need to know what really matters. They need to know how to be good friends. They need to know the value of hard work, of community involvement, of sharing gifts of time and yes talent. It is ok to be talented. It is great to be a good singer and share your gift on stage, to tour the world tickling the ivories of grand pianos. It is great to spend your Saturdays cleaning poop at a pet rescue.
Our kids need the spiritual armor from God.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
They need this armor to survive and thrive even in their teen years. The teen years are just getting harder and harder, harsher and harsher. We need to give our children the truth and make it easier. We need compassion and patience for these years. They are fighting battles we can't imagine. Even in the best of parent and child relationships we may not hear everything our children deal with as they spread their wings and turn to friends more than parents (a natural part of growth).
We need to cover not only our children in prayer and truth, but their social circle as well. Our children need to know that they are more than the test grade (good or bad) the basketball game. They need to be able to spread this worth to others.
We can help them by starting today, at whatever stage our children are in by bathing them in prayer and words of affirmation. Let's be our children's safe place. Their guidance and discipline, so that they know the truth, they see it in us and they can spread it.
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