By Rachel Leland
Someone I know and love dearly, recently found out that she is going to be a single mother in a few months. In a recent dinner conversation, we were discussing the difficulties of parenting, and I caught a wild look in her eye as she, for the first-time-ever, found herself actually needing to think about being responsible for the life of another human being.
As you may know, I have no natural children of my own and am therefore probably the most unqualified person to write anything on parenting! BUT if you are a parent, please don't stop reading just yet! I can tell you, that through this event (and a few others), I have been spending some time ruminating on this important topic, and am hoping to uncover some treasure for you as parents, as well as provide you with some resources which might just give you a little wisdom in your heroic task!
I will start by saying -- parenting sounds challenging! I imagine parenting feels a little like playing dodgeball in an open field. You are not really sure where the lines are or when you've crossed them. You always have to keep your feet moving so you don't take one in the chest. There are moments of victory and moments of defeat. There are split-second decisions that turn out to be the wrong ones. And, at times, amazing moments of glory.
I have worked with children enough to know that there are few "hard and fasts". Each child is unique in their responses, understanding, creativity, interests, even their sinful natures. It goes on and on. So, how do you train up a child in the way they should go? How do you help your children develop positive traits and scrap the sinful ones? How do you teach them to lower the defenses, keep their spirits open, embrace failures, care for others, and learn to love God more fully? As sinful, broken people, how do we teach them to surpass our own limitations? Be "better" people than we are?
We can give them choices, but we can't choose for them. We can love them patiently, but can't force them to do the same. How is parenting possible?!
I can't speak as a parent just yet, but I DO believe there are "hard and fasts" with God. There are principles of the Kingdom of God for discipling people, loving unconditionally, finding strength in the Great Shepherd, and laying down our lives; all of which Jesus modeled to a "T". Now -- will we do it as perfectly as Him? Chances aren't great... BUT we can see the Kingdom grow and flourish in our own lives, which, as a result, pours out into the lives of others (including, but not limited to, children).
I would like to use this blog to provide some insight (mostly gained from others I respect) on some of those topics (i.e. discipling people, loving unconditionally, finding strength in the Great Shepherd, laying down our lives), and hope to tie them to how they relate to raising up children. I hope you will join me on this adventure, and I hope that what I write is worth reading when I am parenting children! :)
To get started, here are a few articles which I hope will be pretty informative! Feel free to provide your feedback as you read them (just post a note!)
PARENTING ON PUROSE by Javan Rowe - "Child rearing is one of the most complex and challenging responsibilities in life. Thousands of books have been written, each conveying its unique form of wisdeom to weary, confused parents. What many parents fail to realize, though, is that the Old Testament book of proverbs contains the greatest wisdom ever given on the subject. Here's one helpful nugget: 'Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds' (Proverbs 27:23). This is more than a reference to sheep; it is a guildeline for parenting - an encouragement for parents to view their role as nurturers and protectors."... (To read the full article, email Rachel).
POSITIVE HABITS THAT STICK by Lanita Bradley Boyd - "My husband and I shared the interesting adventure of teaching the same students when some of my former fifth-graders appeared in his college classes. In comparing the two groups, I have observed that certain skills evident in fifth grade students can be predictors of college success - and life success, for that matter."... (To read the full article, email Rachel).
