These first few days of school remind us that our children grow up quickly. In the midst of those early years, the long nights, the crying and the diapers, to name just a few passages of early life with kids, it seemed like it would go on forever.
But then you’re walking your son or daughter by the hand into school, or dropping them at the bus stop, and suddenly you realize just how fast the seasons come and go. In fact, sometimes it’s overwhelming to think about all our children need to learn while they’re young and living at home.
Because we want them to become mature and successful adults, it’s easy to get caught up in a pattern of silently evaluating them. We look at what they’re doing and wonder if they are capable of more.
Do they measure up in areas that are deemed to be important in this competitive world we live in?
Are they at the top of the class academically?
Are they developing social skills?
Do they excel in athletics? And for us as believers, is there strong evidence of spiritual growth?
I want my sons to know that my love for them is not dependent on their accomplishments. Of course, it’s important to encourage them to be the person God created them to be, but I also need to remember that they’ll face challenges along the way, and they’ll make mistakes. I want them to feel the freedom to be real and honest with Jean and me about who they are and what’s going on in their lives right now.
The beginning of a school year is a great time to think about things like this. I hope you heard part one of our three part broadcast titled “Loving Your Kids for Who They Are” with author Jill Savage and psychologist Dr. Kathy Koch. If not, you can listen online or via our free, downloadable mobile phone app. Parts two and three are filled with great wisdom and advice as well. I hope you’ll tune in!
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