Are You Preparing Your Children For Life Without You?

One day your children will need to face reality and handle it without your guidance. Are you preparing them for it?

God's plans for parenting are designed to take a small person, who is helpless and dependent, and over time, produce an adult who can make great choices and decisions: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).

On their own, they will need to make the mature choices to follow Christ; find great relationships to support their growth; set their core values and morals; handle romance, dating, marriage and family paths; and craft their passions and career. So when they are young, our duty is to give them the sturdy foundation of the Word, good morals, self-discipline, and build their critical-thinking skills. Then, when they go out into the world, they are prepared to make difficult decisions.

Praying through the Scriptures is one of the strongest ways we can nurture our children's character. Today, pray through 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:

Father God,
I pray that (name) is patient and kind; that (name) does not envy or boast; not arrogant or rude.
I pray (name) does not insist on their own way; that they would not irritable or resentful;
Keep (name) from rejoicing at wrongdoing, but help them rejoice with the truth.
Let (name) bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things.
Love never ends.
I pray (name) would know, deep in their soul, that Your love for them doesn't end.
Amen.

I saw this post recently on Focus on the Family's page. This is such great insight and advice for parents. You will blink and your kids will be starting their own families and you will wonder if you guided them well.  Decide today to lead your kids spiritually by praying for them, modeling a God centered marriage and family and loving them as Jesus loves us. If you need any encouragement, resources or prayer please don't hesitate to reach out!