The topic of parenting frequently comes up in circles where there are teens in the family. Typically, parents express frustration and doubt in themselves as they witness their kids making poor choices or responding negatively to teaching. Pastor Dan and I were talking about how we would love it for kids to be like a recipe: Put in all the right ingredients, follow the specific directions, and then they’ll come out wonderfully! It doesn’t work that way, does it? We decided that kids are more like seeds in a garden. They start out undeveloped, but generally respond well to good conditions. We choose good soil, add nutrients (not over-fertilizing!), and give water. If we put the seeds in a sunny spot, God provides the sunshine the they need to grow. But, the seeds must respond to the conditions provided, and it takes time for the seed to become beautiful or useful. Aren’t kids like that? We, as parents, must walk in obedience to God as we provide a nurturing environment, much prayer, Bible teaching (but not overloading), and a continuous relationship with our kids as they grow up. It can be painful for them to grow (and painful to watch them), but as God shines His love & guidance on them and we do our part to nudge them out into His light, God does the work on their hearts. Then, after time, we may see the fruit of our labor, and witness the beauty that God produced in their lives. All we can do is obey the Lord to the best of our understanding and ability! So, the next time you feel like blaming yourself for the poor choices your teen is making, stop and ask God if you should do anything differently (and do what you feel led to do), and then pray that He will shine into their lives mightily. We, as Christian parents, can rest in that! Praise the Lord!
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