Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

February 18th, 2008

 

“Be the Parent (Part 4)”

Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate and willful; he who guards himself will be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:5-6 Amplified Bible).

The third step is to see the vision. I really like the Amplified Bible in our reading today as it explains “the way he should go” as being “in keeping with his individual gift or bent.” I had one Mom and Dad tell me once that their vision for their children was to help them "sing the song God put inside of them." What a beautiful expression! This is the type of overarching goal or vision any parent can adopt.

The question inevitably is “How can you do this?” Start by finding out where God is working in your child's life. What skills, interests and abilities has He given your son or daughter? Identify these and get in step to enhance them and to help your child "sing his song".

Each one of our sons was very different. We had to listen to their dreams, their fears, and their ideas -- starting when they were very young. Listening takes time, time alone with each child and time together as a family. We took the time to work together and to play together. But it isn't just time; it's listening too. You must listen as your child expresses himself. Too many times parent-child dialogue is actually parent-driven monologue. And usually that monologue sounds like a list of do's and don'ts, like an instruction manual -- "Don't do that. Do this." We already live in a noisy world. You will have to make a conscious choice to listen to your child. Start listening to them today!

I have noticed this again with our grandchildren. They are fraternal twins. Their heartbeats were as close as any siblings throughout the months before their birth. Of course they “look” different, however there are many similarities also. Even with this unique bond between them, it would be a grave mistake to imagine they will “sing the same song.” They are different individuals, loved the same by God, but created unique in every way. So are you children. The only way to really know what their cong will be and to help them achieve their highest potential, you must listen to their hearts.