Big Picture Parenting

In order to stick with anything for the long haul, it is important to see the big picture and know where you want to be at the end of the journey. Seeing the big picture is really the foundation of good parenting. If you know you have a marathon coming, you condition for it. If you know you have an exam coming you study for it. If you know you have hearts and minds to shape for a lifetime relationship with their Creator and Redeemer, you demonstrate for them what that looks like in your daily life. That is the most important thing you will EVER do.

Seeing the big picture in godly parenting means that you are shaping hearts to be tender and submissive to God and aware of His greatness. You will constantly – without any break at all - be teaching them to be respectful, caring, kind, generous, grateful, helpful, honest and looking to God for guidance in their lives… and you will be modeling these things in your own life.

If God is your best friend, worthy of your praise, your go-to for all your needs, the One you just can’t get enough of… you WILL be transformed and as they see that transformation, they will desire it for themselves.

If you are investing in your spiritual walk at about 50… or even 70%, don’t expect them to be devoted followers. They are learning nothing of the God who desires to be in first place, but seeing God and His plan as optional, weak and unworthy of their investment. You are the leader they are following. If you are totally committed to following the Leader, you have laid a great foundation for godly parenting.

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good.

 At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." 

Galatians 6:9 (nlt)

 “God, help us to cling to You tightly and not let go so that, as the kids watch us, they will learn the joy and comfort of clinging to You throughout their lives.”