GOD has made it EXTREMELY clear that EACH and EVERY one of US has been BLESSED with the GIFT of “free will”. Therefore, (even as a PARENT) it is NOT MY job NOR is it MY right to FORCE GOD down my child’s throat!!!! Most of US have WONDERFUL intentions for OUR children’s lives. HOWEVER, THEY have the CHOICE to come to GOD when THEY are ready!
Over the last few months, I have read several AMAZING books. One in particular, talked about the BEST way to MAKE sure that YOUR child WANTS to have a relationship with GOD…
Are you ready??? The answer was simple, yet complex…
“Make sure that YOU are setting an example for them to emulate!”
In other words, PRACTICE what YOU PREACH (No PUN intended ;). WE have to make sure that OUR children see US actively seeking a RELATIONSHIP with HIM (by INVITING HIM into ALL the aspects of OUR lives)! More importantly, WE have to make sure that they understand that HE is and will ALWAYS be THEIR best friend.
I’m always telling Nani that she ONLY has ONE perfect PARENT. I make sure that she KNOWS that “MOMMY and DADDY” will hurt her (intentionally or unintentionally) though out HER life. For that reason, I remind HER that this is why she NEEDS to TRUST and DEPEND on GOD (more and more each day).
Now keep in mind, that I am doing ALL I can to be “Mother of the YEAR”! Unfortunately, I am human (therefore flawed) and sometimes I WILL FAIL!
In an effort to keep her from taking MY shortcomings PERSONAL, (as most of US do when WE are hurt by those WE love) I MUST create a BRIDGE between HER and OUR HEAVENLY FATHER (to ENSURE that HE will be able to pick up for MY slack). This process is meant to allow HER to cultivate a PERSONAL relationship with GOD for HERSELF (in order to use ME and OTHERS less and less, as a “middleman”).
When GOD BLESSES US with a child, HE is merely loaning THEM to US. WE must make every attempt to GIVE them BACK to HIM! WE have to make sure that WE give THEM every opportunity possible to BUILD a strong RELATIONSHIP with GOD from DAY ONE.
This is a touchy subject for MOST, so I will NOT go on and on! However, I will leave you with this simple thought to ponder…
When WE are preparing and planning for OUR child’s FUTURE and ALL the details of THEIR lives. WE have to be certain, NOT to forget to overlook the BIGGER picture. WE have to make sure that THEY are equipped spiritually, so they can TRULY FULFILL THEIR DESTINY on this EARTH.
THEREFORE, WE must make sure that WE expose THEM to the GIFT of GOD and ALL the MIRACULOUS LOVE HE has to OFFER to THEM and US… ;)
