Sunday, April 06, 2014

Parenting is a challenge.

Parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17:6


Parenting is a challenge.  In fact, parenting is the most difficult job I’ve ever had and since there is no time off and it seems like it will never end, sometimes it feels more like bondage.  But bottom line, it’s the most sacred obligation I’ll ever have and to be honest I love the fact that Leslie and I have been chosen by God to steward the lives of our three boys.  

When our boys were young we were, for the most part, able to provide all they needed.  But as they’ve grown Leslie and I realized they need much more than just their parents input to develop into the men that God has called them to be.  Parents are important, but so are the outside voices speaking into their lives.  I’m grateful for grandparents, uncles and aunts, teachers and coaches, pastors and leaders, as well as a number of trusted family friends that love our boys and help in their training.  

No matter how many great influences we surround our children with it cannot and will not provide all they need.  Combine that with the negative influences in our children’s lives that we can’t control and it sometimes feels like we’re fighting a losing battle.  That’s why the most important thing we can do as parents is connect our children to the only source that can truly provide all they need… Jesus: the way, the truth, and the (abundant) life.

It’s so important as parents to have our children in church, clubs, conferences, camps, etc. to learn about Jesus and connect with God.  That’s why I love the Ascension Convention as we see a multitude of young people gather together to connect with God in a powerful way.  As a pastor I’m honored that God has chosen to use Christian Life to impact thousands of lives over the years.  As a parent, I’m grateful that I can send my boys to a conference that will connect them to God.