How to Raise Your Parents

As I was waiting for my coffee this morning at the local coffee shop, I spotted this book, "How to Raise Your Parents." Today I have been feeling rather nostalgic regarding parenting. My oldest son turns 20 today. Congratulations to Justin. And my youngest son, Jordan, turned 15 about a week ago. They have survived our parenting, so far. So, what have I learned in the short 20 years that I have been a parent?

1-You've got to train yourself before you train your child. II Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." II Timothy 4:2 "Preach the Word; be prepared in and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." Proverbs 22:6, "Train a child in the way he should go."

2-The bible is truth. "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Proverbs 13:24. Need I say more?

3-It should be God's plan, not ours. You must let them do what they are called by God to do. You may want them to be a doctor, lawyer, etc., but if the Lord is calling them to be a foreign missionary, let them go. Jeremiah 29:11

4-Parenting is a great way to learn the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control." Sadly, I have not always demonstrated these to my children.

5-Be a Mary, not a Martha. Luke 10:38-41 Now, cleaning your house is a necessary evil, I mean chore. But don't get distracted by this and miss watching your kids grow up. My husband says you should invest more time than money in you kids.

6-To much is given, much is required. Ephesians 6:1-4 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." "Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Twenty years ago, our little bundle of joy came with great responsibility. Not only did we have to feed and clothe him, but we had to teach him, especially respect by example. As a parent, we cannot abuse that authority given by our Lord. My husband adds, "Don't be too picky regarding your children's faults."

7-God loves us, despite our failures. My kids had messed up. They have gotten their clothes dirty, they have failed to pick up their toys, they have gotten in trouble at school, they have disobeyed, they have made a bad grade or two, but beyond a shadow of a doubt, I LOVE MY CHILDREN. I will never fully understand the enormous love God has for me, I do understand the concept of unconditional love. God loves me in spite of all the times I mess up. And I love my children more than I could ever fully express.

So, Happy Birthday Justin (August 24) and Happy Birthday Jordan (August 16). I have learned so much by being your parent. It is a blessing and an honor that the Gracious Lord has chosen me to be your Mom. Just another way He has shown me His great Love.