I can't believe this. Late night for me, and then as I crawl in bed dog tired, my brain sparks up and won't shut off. Thinking and thinking and knowing I have to at least start to jot these things down. So here I am typing, the sound of the keys is magnified by the silence, and the white light from my screen illuminating the dark room.
Maybe with my 1st entering the world of school I realize just how much I want for them--
These are thoughts on my mind lately for my kids, so guys... here you go:
- Respect others, be considerate. Yet, in a world that is frighteningly becoming more focused on peoples feelings, don't let it hinder you from standing up for what you know is right. TRUTH first, feelings second.
- Things won't make you happy. ENJOY the things that have been given to you and be THANKFUL for them, just don't ever expect them to provide happiness, you will find yourself in a sinking hole.
- Bennett: Put your family before yourself. You may not always see how much they will appreciate, but they will. And they will honor you for it. You have a wonderful line of men who are examples of this for you (Girls, this does go for you too! ;-)
- Be confident in who you were created to be. But better yet, be humble. You are the way you are because of your Creator, be confident in that but know that He deserves all the credit for anything good in you. I think I have found, that the only place you can truly find confidence is in humility.
- Wisdom is your best form of protection. As much as I would love to "bubble" you all I know that that would never be what is best for you. Balance wisdom and fear. I pray we, as your parents, teach you to seek hard after wisdom. I feel like I am just truly learning that for myself now!
- No one is perfect. Do no expect perfection from anyone but give grace to everyone. We all need it-- You have been given grace. Do not let your disappointments in others affect your love for them.
- Life is messy. There is no way around it. You will be in the throws of this messy world. No one escapes hardships, heart ache, pain, and disappointment. Use those times to grow. Know there is One who is never changing in all your changing circumstances. This is why He must ALWAYS be your foundation, through the good, bad, and ugly.
- Pray. Not as you fold your hands at night for a designated time (while that is good too). But pray all day. Make your thoughts your prayers. You WILL be amazed.
- Be trustworthy: Be able to keep others' secrets, but never keep your own.
- Be dependable: "Say what you mean, and mean what you say." This is, practically speaking, my Golden Rule of parenting.
- Make this life matter, you only live it once. "Life is too short to sit on the sidelines". Make life an adventure, but don't mistake adventure for extravagance. Be purposeful. Think eternally.
- Take care of each other. Your are stuck with each other as family forever, so make the most of it!! :)
- Use your gifts for the Kingdom: Hannah Grace- your Super Sized heart and sensitivity to others, Bennett- your brains and focus, Sadie- your drive and passion. You each have been given unique and beautiful gifts and I cannot wait to see how you use them as you grow.
- Know God first. Everything else will fall into place.
We are sinful parents trying to "Train up a child in the way he should go ( [and]even when he is old he will not depart from it)" Proverbs 22:6.
I pray these thoughts are Spirit led, and I know my actions will speak louder than words, so I will seek after these things as I am far from figuring them out and putting them into practice myself. We love each of you and are so thankful you have been entrusted to us!
