Parenting…the rich, hard, get-your-hands-dirty kind of parenting is surely not for the weak at heart. Let’s be encouraged by Johnny’s counsel!

Scripture

“…and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

2 Timothy 3: 15-17

Reflect

This responsibility called “parenting” can at times seem overwhelming and intimidating creating thoughts like: “I don’t feel adequate”, “I’m not prepared”, and “I don’t want to mess up.” 

You’re not alone as “the only parent on the planet disciplining my child.” There are other families putting in the sweat equity, rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work requiring consistency, openness, transparency and a whole lot of laughs. 

Just as teams have a playbook identifying their code of conduct, training rules and observances, plays and team expectations, your family needs a playbook. 

You already have a great start with your family Bible.  It might need dusting off or even a search/rescue dog to find it, but in it you have the winning game plan for your family.

1. A good family playbook identifies the family objectives and fortifies family goals.  Your playbook should include an offense (how to advance) and defense (how to protect).  You as parents are the Coach, but know that you are not alone, there is the “Coach within. “  That’s right, the Holy Spirit, the actual third head of the Triune God.  Whoa, now that’s impressive…even a game changer.  He is your always-present counselor, power source, and support as your own personal “coach within.”  Incredible.
2. Training is more than exercising.  Exercising can be simple.  Training is intentional, sacrificial and has a clear picture of success and what it will demand.  Training insists on consistency, rejects passivity, and requires your best effort each and every time. Therefore, parents, how would your child describe your parenting … occasional exercising or absolute missional training? 
3. There is not room for, “I’m too tired” as a parent.  Time is ticking and you have very little of it when it comes to how long your child remains a child.  Be fair and reasonable.  Make adjustments and spend more time encouraging than harping and…no shaming.  Follow through on stated consequences and do not lower the family standard to appease everyone.  Keep on extending grace (John 1:16) and seasoning with grace (Colossians 4:6), but reinforce character that counts adding up to becoming a MAC /WOG.

Parents, don’t forget your advantage – you’ve got the “Coach within.”  Keep the lines open with the family, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from Camp, friends and mentors.

Camper Corner

Looking for answers?  Looking for direction?  Looking for real truth?  Take out and dig into your eternal playbook (yo Bible!) and make adjustments for your game plan to be all that you have been designed to be.  You also have the advantage of the “Coach within” to guide and provide you with the resources and motivation to truly “Love God and love others.”