Mom Heart Moments #100

While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them.

OCCASIONALLY, I make an effort to take each of my children out for a date alone. It gives me the opportunity to share a passage from Scripture and discuss issues. I try to avoid approaching them to produce guilt, but rather keep painting God’s purposes for them as young men and young women in a winsome way —“You are such a treasure. I see you making good decisions. I think God has a real purpose for your life.” I tell them of my trust in them, my belief that God will use them as a light.

Keeping my children in Christ’s name means staying close to them, praying for them, being available for them, even at odd times. When they want to talk (usually late at night!) I need to be there, so when they find themselves in any trouble, temptation, or danger, our line of communication is already established. My children have a habit of telling us everything —everything! This way, we don’t doubt when they report on where they are or what they are doing, because we know they will tell us the truth.

It is so tempting during the preteen and teen years to tire of these pushy and sometimes irritating kids, but don’t give up. Most especially, don’t hand them over, in your weariness, to this culture. Polish your ideals and get back on track —have a rest if you want, but this is not a time to abandon ship. The stakes are high as to what kind of scars will be made on their lives if you leave your post. Don’t battle the small issues, but make your battlegrounds the things that really matter.

How will you develop a personal, discussion-filled time with your children now, so you have a forum for big conversations later?