Parenting is definitely not for the faint of heart. It takes everything we’ve got and even more dependence on the One who made those creatures we’re responsible for raising. Johnny has some practical encouragement for us. Read on!

Scripture

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…” 

2 Timothy 4:2

Reflect

Our kids certainly have so much thrown at them with school, shows and the internet.  We need to be intentional in creating safe places for good, healthy family dialogue. Our high calling as parents includes training and equipping our children hence our first family chapters are called “Parenting”… not “BFF.”

Parents, we need to be intentional, prayerful students of our kids and the Scriptures.  There can be daily divine moments to highlight “God sightings” and God at work in the lives of our kids. Realize setbacks and disappointments are opportunities to live out the gospel in relevant ways with our most precious treasures.

 Mom and Dad, are you able to navigate “hot potato” questions?  Understanding these pressures is critical. Let’s do the hard work in creating a safe place where our kids can come and decompress. 

Create a safe place where:

• Hard questions, concerns, curiosities can be asked
• Each person is valued and cared for 
• Active listening to be understood happens
• There is age appropriate dialogue – some things need to wait
• Kids can express frustrations and opinions without consequences

Parents set the example by:

• Not over, nor under reacting
• Simply answering questions…not giving mini sermons
• Be open and honest yet with 3D’s: discernment, discretion and discipline
• Focus on redemption instead of “glamorous” details of depravity

“Be’s” for every member:

• Be kind and respectful
• Be considerate and thankful
• Be open and honest
• Be clear and fair
• Be engaged and encouraging

Doing “life on life” as a family is like rebar used to strengthen the foundation of our homes. Good, open, honest and safe dialogue is a family’s legacy foundation generations will cherish.  Let’s do the hard things well by being ready and willing to enter into them … yet not with an empty head or closed Bible.

Camper Corner

Hey Young Guns-What can you apply from the following verses to create a safe place and being a safe person?  Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 2 Timothy 2:25; James 3:17, 1 Peter 3:15 – consider one verse each weekday and grow from there!