Circles

When I teach I like sitting in a circle. Nobody is in front or in back, but we are all able to see each other and interact better when we are connected in that manner. Circles are good. Interaction is good. Seeing and hearing others is good.

We all need circles. There has to be that time of day when we come together as a family and make eye contact and listen to each other’s story. It is a great time to observe body language and look deep into hearts. Maybe that is the dinner table. Maybe that is when you say goodnight. Days are full and calendars are packed, but it has to happen if you want to make the most of family life.

Your children need you to help them live in circles. They need to learn to look into the eyes and hearts of other children and learn to be compassionate. They need you to help them understand that the child at school who is unkind or unclean or unprepared is living in a different world with parents who are unable to meet the needs of that child well. They need you to help them pray for those children with genuine concern, rather than a critical spirit.

You, as a parent shaping young lives, need a circle. Not just friends that are fun to hang out with, but friends who will direct you when you stumble off the right path. Friends who can come to you when life is hard and know they won’t be judged. You need a circle of friends who will help you see yourself as you truly are; no flattery; no critical spirit; simply truth.

Shaping a child’s heart is the most important thing that you will ever do. When you think about it, it is pretty arrogant to think you are fine to do that on your own without surrounding yourself with a circle of Godly friends who can serve as mentor, coach and confidant. Take a look at those who you feel you can trust and ask them if they will be in your circle. Find someone struggling and ask them to be in your circle. Give and take and learn and grow as you discover the power of the circle.