For the last three weeks we have been going to a parenting class on Wednesday nights at our church. On a side note, I love our church. I love how they offer different classes in a series so you can choose what you want to learn more about. And I love how parenting classes are often one of them. I am always looking for advice on how to teach my children to become men and women of God. So there you go, come to my church, see for yourself how awesome it is...my evangelism for the week is done:)) But anyway last week our teacher Gibby Gilbert said some things that have really been weighing on my mind. I tend to struggle with parenting "the right way." Many new parents out there know completely what I'm talking about. There are so many different styles of parenting. So many books to read and articles to skim, who knows what is right anymore?! What if the solution to all I have been anxious about is right under my nose? It's funny how much time and effort I devote to making sure I'm doing the "right" thing with my kids. Ayden was always and still is (for the most part) pretty obedient. She has such a tender heart and doesn't want us to be upset with her. Ryan on the other hand takes everything a step further...as in Ryan don't do that...Ryan don't touch that...Ryan you may not suck the toothpaste out of the tube...Ryan...Ryan...Ryan Gregory Mason!!!! Like I have said in previous blogs I love my spirited man however he has caused me to read a time or two "The Strong Willed Child." As parents we think to ourselves that we want our children to become Godly men and women. So therefore we think that we have to teach them about God. That takes time people. This is not something done over night... or so I'm told...I thought to myself the Bible doesn't tell me what to do when my child is not listening...or is deliberately disobeying while staring at me with a devilish grin. But it does.
What if it is this easy?
Deuteronomy 6:5-9:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."
Wow...so you're telling me that I need to love my God with every part of me...Tell my children about him when we are at home, when we go out, before bed, when they wake up in the morning. Write God's name around my house and even hang up their sweet little artwork they made in Bible class. Remind them with words and actions that God made us and most importantly that God loves us no matter what. I love how so many times the answers that we are looking for are right in front of our faces...I've just been to busy looking elsewhere. I thought I would share this because it made sense to me. I know I don't have all the answers to parenting but I do know that God does. I am just so thankful that he has shown us through his word.
Love this!
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