Parenting is an adventure, isn’t it? In the road map of parenting, we know the starting point (pregnancy) and end point (adulthood). However, navigating the path is tricky! There are the uphill climbs with a newborn, the windy roads of elementary years, the roadblocks and pitfalls of the teen years. However, within those twists and turns, there are beautiful vista points where we must stop and soak in the view of first steps, lost teeth, arts and crafts, sporting events, school performances, birthdays, family trips, and holiday celebrations. The road of parenthood is challenging, but every step is worth it!
God gives us the ultimate travel guide on our parenting journey – His Word. We get free navigation help with His God-Positioning-System (GPS!). When parenting is overwhelming, jump into Proverbs:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 [NIV]
The Message version of this verse reminds us to listen for His voice:
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. — Proverbs 3:5-6 [The Message]
Proverbs 3:5-6 [The Message]
What can we expect in the parent adventure? From birth, parents handle 100% of the responsibility of a baby’s survival. As our child grows, responsibilities are taught and privileges are granted corresponding with his maturity. Our journey is about growing our children into a 100% responsible adults when they launch out of our homes.
There will be travel challenges along the way (marriage troubles, special needs, personal issues, role adjustments, . . .), but it is always important to remember your destination – your long term goal. Another way to look at this is to ask: What values or character traits do you hold dear? How will you instill that in your children? What kind of adults do you want them to be? That is your destination!
Let’s fasten our seat belts, pull out our road maps, and program our GPS as we embark on a new series this year . . . The Parent Adventure!