More Tidbits

From my current read Grace Based Parenting by, Dr. Tim Kimmel

 (image taken from Amazon.com)

This is what stuck out to me in chapter 5 which is a chapter about instilling hope in kids’ hearts, really I could type the entire chapter to share, but to save my fingers from the work of typing this is what stood out the most..

“God comes alongside us when we need it, not just when it fits best into His schedule. How we respond to our children’s needs-especially when they are helpless to do anything to meet those needs-gives them a living example of what God wants to offer them in a larger realm in their lives.” p. 102

“Children must realize that they will run into some challenges bigger than their ability to handle them. That’s where they need to be encouraged by our example to put their hope in God. They need to see us turning to God with confidence when we are afraid, out of energy, out of ideas, or out of money. they need to see how we have trusted Him to overcome our helplessness in every situation. Remember: When they were young, they learned hope by trusting in us- instruments of God’s grace- for the big things and the little things of their lives. They can learn an even greater hope as they grow up by watching us trust in God for the big things and the little things in our lives. When they encounter the issues that even we, their parents, can’t help them though, our example makes it a lot easier for them to put their hope in the Lord.” pp.107-108

“Our children are going to have to know how to work hard, get along with difficult people, solve confusing problems, handle money, repent, forgive, take good care of their bodies, minds, and spirits, fear God a lot, fear their fellowmen a little, laugh at the right time, cry at the right time, and bring out the best in the people closest to them. This doesn’t happen by accident. Our children’s childhood provides ample time for us parents to build assurances into them that they have been given all they need to take on adulthood with confidence.” p.22

It is so humbling to think about the responsibilities that we have been entrusted with as parents! I continue to be so grateful that we don’t have to walk through it alone, praise God for His Word and how it works to guide and encourage.

Happy Monday.

Be blessed.