I am not your pal. I'm your mom.
Years ago I worked at Contempo and Wet Seal. I was amazed at some moms who wore similar outfits as their daughters trying to be "hip and cool". Moms who might allow their child to drink coffee at 8 years old and be their child's friend.
As my daughter is entering 5th grade and the tween phase I find myself reminding her - "I'm not your friend- I'm your mom"
I remind her that the Bible instructs "children obey your parents" (Colossians 3:20) and "honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12)
If her tone is not right or she rolls her eyes I remind her that she must respect me and this behavior is not ok.
The other night we had a very beautiful conversation after night devotions.
She said "Mom, if I ever walk away from the Lord's path will you bring me back?" I answered :
"I can't do that Olivia. Only YOU can in your heart come back to the Lord"
She replied "What I meant was, will you always encourage me to come back to Him if I ever walked away?" "Yes, always" I answered.
One of my favorite New Testament people in the Bible is Barnabas- the encourager. (Acts 4:14)
Parents are to always encourage their children - to set them up for success in their goals and walks with God-To build them up--To be more like a coach, less like a friend.
Kids don't always like their coaches. Coaches push and encourage their athlete to try their best- coaches see the ability in the athlete beyond what he/she sees in him/herself.
I was so blessed my daughter asked me to always encourage her. That is so important to me. We can't be too militant because that's not loving and we can't be a friend because kids need discipline.
We must be a mom after Gods own heart, a dad after Gods own heart- and this goal is really, really painstakingly hard.
We must admit when we mess up.
Pray through tears.
Say yes as the Lord leads and say no as the Lord leads and truly be an epistle for our child to read.
Imitate me Paul said. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
How many parents can say that to their kids?
"Act just like me baby girl."
"Act just like me mijo."
Most of us cringe at that...We DON'T want our kids to act like us. We are a work in progress, flawed to the core.
If our kids see us as human - fail sometimes yes- succeed sometimes yes- but in all circumstances we put Christ first, then we can say "imitate me, as I imitate Christ"
You may never be a cool mom or cool dad but you'll be planting seeds of love and Truth in them day after day- and that's FAR more important.
Wonderfully said Laura....I wish I knew this when I was raising my children. By the grace of God they are following Jesus and instilling the Lord in my grandchildren....not always easy!!! God bless you my friend ��
ReplyDeleteVery encouraging, although I have no children of my own .. I can relate to this as a director of the children's ministry .. I am always trying to find a balance of not to militant but not so easily pushed over by them.. But I also know that consistency in their lives is so important.. I pray for all the children everywhere daily because they are our next generations.. If we don't raise them in the ways of the Lord .. The world sure will take them and raise them with junk.. Thank you for reminding me to be a constant encourager of the Lord to my babies.. Love you Laura..
ReplyDelete