So, I have been thinking about a lot of things lately, especially when it comes to parenting and one reoccurring theme has been "The Heart", not just because that is the most recent sermon series at my church, but because I know it has been my goal as a parent all these years, to get to the heart of each of my kids and turn it toward God. I know I have prayed many prayers about getting to each of the kids hearts and praying they in turn, would desire, wholeheartedly, to please God before anyone else, even Dave or myself!
So, how do we parents do that?? I think the biggest influence has been how Dave and I model our desire to have a heart after God for our kids. I am not saying we have been the best example all the time, but as Dave and I have pursued our relationship with God and really pursued a heart toward pleasing God, I know our children are watching and following in our footsteps! It is a lofty pursuit and if we allow it to be, a very heavy burden. But, as I have worked at developing my relationship with Jesus, the kids have been watching and they seem to want what I have. It is a natural progression and it is not so burdensome when I approach it as a focus on me and my relationship with God, not how I can change or control my kids hearts and attitudes toward God.
Now I realize as the kids get older, Dave´s and my influence will become less and less appealing shall we say, but my hope is that the seeds will be planted and we can now begin to water or coach them!
Just something I have been thinking about!
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