PLANNED PARENTHOOD

“Blessed in the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding, for she
is more profitable than silver and yields
better returns than gold.” Proverbs 3:13-14

Parenting is an adventure or so it would seem. It can take us down so many roads; some are fun and full of things that we love to do, while others can be boring and monotonous. Still others are downright scary. Which road is “your” parenting on? If you are a new parent or in the “process” of becoming a parent you might place yourself on the “scary road”; however, when viewed through God’s eyes, parenting can be an adventure that we find fun and love to do. It may surprise you, but parenting can be one of the most rewarding things that you will do in your entire life! Taking on the challenge of parenting is not as difficult as it may at first appear. Knowing what God expects of us as parents takes the “unknown” factor out of the equation. He has provided a manual on every situation that may come up; the Bible. It is an amazing gift from God with answers for our questions, peace, joy, and rules for living, and even romance, but that’s another article. 
 
When we use God’s word as our guidebook we have all the information necessary to create rules and boundaries for our children. It’s actually “planned parenthood” God’s way. God expects us to be intentional and involved as parents. In Psalms 127:3-4 God tells us, “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth.” We are to cherish our children, realizing that they are a gift from God.  A gift that comes with responsibility! Just as God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, Elizabeth to be the mother of John the Baptist, He chose you to be your child’s parent. What an honor and a privilege to know that God gifted you to be all that your child would need to become a productive, God fearing adult; an adult who can make a positive contribution to society by using their gifts to enhance God’s work here on earth. Wow!
 
Just as God teaches us with His word we are also to train our children. Psalms 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Ours is a formidable task. In today’s society it is not easy keeping young minds from straying into areas that are unhealthy. This is why we need to stay diligent on every level, keeping our children focused on God and family. Teaching them wrong from right, good from evil, and making them aware of what God expects of us as His children. Our own life is another great tool to use, as we share our own experiences of how God meets our needs. We do our children a big disservice when we let them think we have everything wired. It is hard enough for children to feel that we approve of them, (especially boys with their dads) let alone to have to try and live up to what they think we are. For just a moment look at your own life, who did you want to impress or seek approval from as a child or better yet someone in your life today? From this perspective you can start to understand where your child is coming from.  Be real with your children! It’s okay to be looked up to, but not thought of as perfect!
 
How many times have you seen ads or commercials where children are imitating grownups, even your own children imitating you? I remember one afternoon many years ago, Del came in the house with our son in his arms, proclaiming, “It isn’t as bad as it looks!” I turned to see our son’s blood running down his little face mingled with tears. He quickly told me that our son was following him around the yard and walked right into the open tailgate of our truck. Three stitches later all was well. I have numerous examples of our children imitating us as I’m sure you do as well, however the most important point to remember is that our children are watching everything we do. In 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Paul explained to the church that his life was a “model” for them to “follow”. We need to be a “positive” model for our children because they will learn far more from us by what we do than by what we say.   
 
My last two articles on “parenting” have dealt mainly with the parents and not the children because as parents we must first become obedient children of God. There is no greater parent than the Lord.  He is our Abba Father, who shows us everyday His grace, compassion, and unconditional love.  What an awesome model! 
 
Check your pulse this week.  Who’s watching you? What are you modeling? What can you do differently today to be real with your children?  Parenting is full of challenges, are you ready?