A Letter to Parents
Dear Parents,
From one parent who is just trying to figure things out to what I assume is another parent just trying to figure things out, let us talk about doing family differently. I want you to know, working to do family differently sure sounds easier than it often is to live out. In a day and age with constant pressure in every area of how we parent and raise our kids, being different can be a challenge. I feel that. Parenting is not for the faint of heart!
Maybe you have been there. You feel bombarded with questions from friends or family regarding your choice of schooling, sports, clothing, or device usage; that list could just go on and on. Everyone wants to have a say; everyone wants their voice to be heard. I feel that, too.
I wish I could sit here, and tell you a perfect formula for how to parent. It would be just perfect if I could give you a tried and true step-by-step plan on how to parent your kids so they grow up to not only believe in Jesus; but also to love and serve Him, as well as be successful, dependable, and wonderful contributors to society? The unfortunate reality is that I do not hold that information, though I would push you to the One who does. God has given us His words in Scripture to lead and guide us. Isaiah 55:8 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” When we do not spend time in God’s Word, we can start to get confused that maybe our thoughts are actually His thoughts, though that often is not true.
As a parent, trusting in God’s leading is the greatest understanding of doing family differently that we can hold to. If we want to do family differently, then we have to actually do something different. It is not enough to wish or hope things could be different; we have to actually do something different. I would encourage you to start with reading and talking about Scripture with your kids (no matter their age!). Have discussions at the dinner table, in the car, during the last few minutes before bed, and whatever works for your family.
We also have to recognize that the differences that God calls one family to might look different from the differences of another family. Only by being in God’s Word and spending time in prayer with Him can we follow in His leading. Psalm 119:105 writes, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” We have to learn to allow the Word of God to light our way, but that only comes from actually spending time with Him. It needs to be done individually and as a family.
My encouragement to you is to keep trying. Keep working at it. If you missed a day of reading Scripture together or talking over God’s Word, you do not have to miss another. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Seek the difference that God has for your family.
Sincerely yours, A parent trying to do family differently