Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (ESV)
Growing up isn’t easy. Just yesterday I was talking with my classes about the fact that they are quickly coming to the place where parents won’t be over their shoulders, encouraging, reminding, guiding. They are quickly coming to the place where they have to decide to do or not based on their own sense of right and wrong. I pray they make good choices.
Proverbs 22:6 Start children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it. (NIV)
My own children are going through a similar process in middle school. They know our values as a family. They know the morals that we have tried to instill. They have a firm foundation in a loving Savior. They are starting to test their own boundaries—Do I believe as they believe? Do I trust as they trust? Do I want to act in the way I know they would want? As a parent, I’m still here to love and support, but I’m finding that I have to fight myself to get out of their way and let them begin this process. Jesus, Help me.
Psalm 37:24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for these children, who are a loving gift from You. You know the depth of our love for these boys, Lord. And I know that as much as we love them, You love them even more. Be with the hubs and I as our roles as parents begin to change. Be with our boys as they begin the process of stepping out in their own power. Help them to lean on You and the firm foundation of their faith. Help them to root themselves in You. You love them more than we are capable of understanding, Lord. Help us to trust in Your love for them as they step out in faith. Draw us all closer—to You and as a family. Amen.
1 Samuel 12:16 “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!”
Have a blessed day.