Have We Forgotten What it Means To Be a Parent?

“It’s a boy! “ or “ Isn’t she the most precious little baby girl you have ever seen!”

Can you think of any exclamation that we make in our lifetime able to compare with one of these?  Is there a more monumental moment in our lives?  Sisters, brothers, grandmas and grandpas, aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends, have all been waiting months impatiently for this special day. But for Momma and Daddy, the whole world seems to stop spinning for just a few moments as they hold that beautiful little miracle in loving arms?

I’m sure as parents; most of us have wonderful, sweet memories of the births of our children.  It is not however, the birth of a child which causes me concern. The thing that distresses me,  is what Daddy and Momma do with this new, precious little one in the days and weeks and months that follow. Oh I know, more than likely, there will be “someone” around to feed and burp and cuddle and bathe and change, comfort and care for them as they grow.  The question more prevalent than ever in our day is, “just who, will that be”?

Daddy, Momma, Grandma and Grandpa all have their careers to tend to, haven’t you heard of the “American Dream?” Today’s success is measured by the house(s) you own, the cars you drive, the clothes you wear and how many letters you have in  your official title.  Caring for a child is important, of course, but how will we be able to give him or her everything they want as well as a top quality secondary education, if Momma and Daddy don’t both work?

Luke 12:15 “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth”

If you are not too busy trying to make the next dollar and buy the next new toy, perhaps you will take time to honestly reflect on your responsibility as a parent, a father or mother.  God has placed a priceless gift in your hands.  What are we doing with each of these precious eternal souls?

Psalms 127:3” Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”

Did you know that “NO ONE,” can fill the shoes of Daddy and Momma!  No not even Grandma and Grandpa. Whether you believe it or not God gave YOU that child. And it is YOU who are responsible for the care and training of that precious soul. Have we become so selfish and self-centered that we have replaced  true love for our children with a dollar bill or what it can buy? A beautiful home, a late model car and the best clothes along with all the new toys in the world will never touch the satisfaction that comes from seeing your children grow and become a young man or young lady with character and respect and honor.

Pro 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Oh, if we could only see what is happening right before our eyes simply because we have forgotten what it means to be parents!  Can I ask you a personal question, one I have to ask myself even as I write, “how much time do you devote to being a good parent?” If you can answer this question honestly, without trying to justify yourself for your failure, you still have hope. It is so easy in this fast paced world in which we live to get caught up in anything and everything, but the things that really matter.  What are we really giving of ourselves to the children we so dearly love and cherish?  Why do you think this world is quickly coming apart at the seams?  Generations of unloved, untrained children do not grow-up and become honest, caring, giving, respectful adults. We are indeed, reaping what has been sown.

You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world around you by remembering that God has placed a precious eternal soul in your hands to love and train up in His ways.

Daddy and Momma, It is time for us to REMEMBER our responsibility before God!

           

 

Marlin Prentice

Working with Children is an Art

Today’s rush in society gives little hope to properly working with children. Who has time for training children? We are always in a hurry; work, sports, even everyday life, and more times than not, our children are simply being left to themselves. They are not being properly trained in the basic knowledge they need to carry them into adulthood. The Bible states, “A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”

Working with children is an art form to which we must apply ourselves carefully and patiently, just as the artist, who after giving much thought and careful attention to every detail of his work, is able to take much pride in his finished masterpiece.

Time, is of a necessity when it comes to working with children. Children need our time! They need us to teach them how to act, to react, to help others, to give, to show love, and one day care for a family of their own.

Take the time to talk to them, notice them, listen to them, love them, and train them with patience. The masterpiece you produce will one day make you an artist who can admire and appreciate your completed work. When working with children, they need you to take them through each new thing, step by step.  And though it may be challenging to them, with your patient training and loving encouragement, they can and will succeed.

Working with children in this manner, instead of the average “I told you so,” mentality; will result in a child willing to do the task which is set before them without having begrudging feelings. Then, as they later face the challenges that life brings, they will respond in a positive manner.

A child is given to us to mold. We must acknowledge that this clay has been placed in our hands by our blessed Creator. And just as the paint comes from its maker, and is applied with patience, wisdom, and careful attention to create a work of art. So the parent fashions the clay with hands of sincere love, compassion and conviction, using the wisdom from above to create a wonderful masterpiece.

Working with children is an art and everyday those around you can see the fine details of your patient work, but the finished product is what truly tells the tale. Will the world see the glory of the rare beauty of a godly character on daily display from our adult children?  Or will they see the misery of the marred, misshapen reminder of the life that could have been?

 

By Shanda Prentice