How do You Parent?

I wish kids were like play-dough .I wish you could just mush them in a mold and have them turn out just the way you want … but if you are a parent you know that isn’t how it works.  In fact it doesn’t work in the way 4+5 =9 works.  The longer I parent, the more I am convinced it’s more art than science.

 

We had staff devotions this week and our guest speaker happens to be pregnant.  She is due in the beginning of April and already the she’s worried about “raising” her new son “right.”   After being a parent for 7 years, I still think about that everyday on my way home from work.

 

What I have come to realize is while I can force my children to behave a certain way, what I want is for them to obey “the first time with a happy heart.” What I need is (1) Jesus and (2) all the help I can get.  That’s why I was so encouraged to listen to HAVEN Today this week.  On Monday and Tuesday Charles Morris had Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson on talking about their new book “Give the Grace.” Grace is what my kids need, and what I need as well. "We have far too high a view of our ability to shape our children and far too low a view of God's love and trustworthiness. So we multiply techniques and try to control the outcome."  (p59).  Yea – I got the book (but I haven’t finished it yet J).

 

If you missed the broadcast, it’s still available online, and I’d encourage you to give it listen and let me know what parts resonate with you.  The rest of the week Charles (and Janet too) will be sharing “Give them Grace” themes … because ultimately – you and I are “them” and we all need it.

 

Grace, Peace, and Joy

 

 

Robert Jacobsen

 

BTW – if you are coming to NRB, make sure you come see Charles Morris at 1:30pm Monday in the Ambassador Suite (Presidential Boardroom A) – have a cup of coffee and enjoy some free wifi.

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