One of my Rootisms is "If something keeps being repeated, maybe God is trying to tell you something." Ever notice how a subject just seems to stick around and keep popping up as if to say, "Pay attention to me?" Well, I've had several "pop ups" about parenting in the last two weeks. Donna and I studied and prepared to do a presentation on parenting last week, and somehow, in my Wednesday night class on Psalms we started talking about it, and then yesterday Donna showed me an really thoughtful article that Mike Cope wrote in his blog about parenting. All I can think of is, "Okay God, you have my attention. Just what am I supposed to do with it?" Do I need to teach my Pillars of Parenting Seminar here at Florissant? Are we supposed to seek ways to help our young families here? Why do I feel like He is saying, "share it before you forget it?" My Pillars Of Parenting Seminar has eight sessions. I don't know if I've forgotten a lot or not, but my eight points have been reduced to three. After lots of reflecting and studying, I see only three essential elements in parenting: love, clear direction, and consistent discipline. I fought the urge to change love to charity so I'd have three "C's". That being said, it's still true that the most valuable gift any couple can give their children is a strong, healthy marriage. The ironic part of it all is that no matter what our rules, values, or principles of parenting happen to be, our children will be more effected and molded by the character of our hearts, what we have a genuine passion for, and what kind of attitude we approach life with. The right spirit will always cover for mistakes in parenting, but correct parenting can't overcome a negative and inconsistent life-style.
Why do I feel like this isn't going away anytime soon?
3 comments:
I heard Dr. James Cail of OCU give a parenting seminar back in '96 and it occurred to me that a lot, if not all, of the skills beneficial to successful parenting were also very useful or even crucial to maintaining healthy relationships with anyone.
Pat sent the link to Mike Cope's blog to all of our middle and high school parents. I don't think it's just coincidence that these reminders keep "popping-up", as you say--those sweet people at Florissant need to hear what you have to say about parenting. One can never know too much about such an important topic. Anytime one can learn to deepen their most important relationships, it will be beneficial to the Kingdom. I love you, Dad. Thanks for placing such importance on parenting and grandparenting your own kids and grandkids.
Ditto Deborah! I want to hear the parenting seminar!
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