Parenting: A Joy and a Job

Teach children in a way that fits their needs, and even when they are old, they will not leave the right path. Proverbs 22:6 ERV

Most of us, if not all, have dreams and aspirations for our children that are filled with good intentions based on our experiences in life. Some of those dreams include unfulfilled accomplishments by the parent. Whether it is making the honor roll, becoming a star athlete, celebrity, doctor or lawyer, parent’s have goals for their kids.

However, Proverb 22:6 commands parents to train up a child in the way they should go, not necessarily the way we want them to go. We should model and teach them the word of God, for more is caught than taught. Our relationship with God should lead our children to believe and receive Jesus Christ for themselves. 

Training a child in the way they should go is extended to helping the child find their purpose and meaning in life. Parents are accountable for assisting their children as they discover, develop, and put on display their gifts for the glory of God and good of others. 

The Queen and I are blessed with 4 awesome children, and each have different gifts. Since my oldest son did not become a professional athlete, my goal was for Matt to be one instead. I wanted him to learn discipline and be a team player, so I put him in football. Y’all, he was remarkable, but it was not his passion. In fact, Matt passionately hated football, but he absolutely loved dance. In fact, we never had to tell Matt to practice dancing. Sometimes he would even practice ballet on the football field.

After consulting with God, studying, and spending time with Matt, it was obvious that God’s plan for Matt was different from mine.

We enrolled Matt in various dance classes and traveled to a plethora of dance conventions. Matt received scholarships, less for us to pay, and his gift made room for him. He received scholarships for The Houston Ballet, Theater Under the Stars (TUTS), and graduated from HSPVA. 

Today, Matt is a professional dancer, choreographer, and Dance Convention Teacher, sharing the goodness of God with students and audiences all around the world. He is truly a gift from God. Our greatest joy as parents comes in seeing our children walk with God and do what God created them to do.  

Effective parents display unconditional love and acceptance of what God has purposed for their children, even when it doesn’t line up with their own expectations. It also involves a style that considers children’s age and stage of development (https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/the-definition-of-good-parenting/). Love is demonstrated when parents Learn and support their children, Listen to them, and train them to Lean on the Lord. This entails spending time with each of your children to get to know and guide them. 

Question:  Have you consulted God about your children, studied their strengths and struggles, spent time to see what God created them for? I dare you to try it. You will discover that “Children are God’s love-gift; they are heaven’s generous reward.” Psalm 127:3 TPT