Are you projecting a bright future for your children?
Having the opportunity to project a positive future for our children is incredible. Knowing that I have the power to influence my kids’ beliefs about themselves that will shape the rest of their lives is great…and maybe a little weighty.
You see, the words we speak to our children become their inner voice. They will inevitably believe about themselves what we believe about them. They learn what we believe about them by both the words we say and how we treat them. There are some foundational truths that must be instilled in our children in order for them to have the best chance in life. Sure – they’ll likely survive without them, but we want so much more for our kids than simple survival, right?
They need to know they are loved no matter what.
Kids usually know they are loved, but so often they will test the boundaries of that love to see if it has limits. When they find consistent rules, loving and appropriate discipline, and genuine shepherding of their hearts (not just demands of outward obedience), children learn 1) that your love is not conditional, and 2) you are a trustworthy and unwavering support system. Whether or not these truths are established will determine the framework for your lifelong relationship with your children (and even their relationships with others). No pressure!
They need to know they have been created for a special purpose.
You don’t need to look far to see evidence of a generation full of hurting, hopeless people. Life can be hard, people are sometimes cruel and unforgiving, and sometimes we’re dealt a bad hand. In the midst of the roughest days, our children must know that they were created by a God who sees them, loves them, and cares about them, and He has a specific purpose for putting them on this earth that only they can fulfill. Their value is found in the fact that God saw fit to place them on this earth. Their value is not found in talents, abilities, or appearance. They must know that even when they feel small, their value is immeasurable. (Maybe it’s not only your kids that need to hear this. Journey alongside your children and together bask in that truth. Lift your eyes to the One who can lead you to your purpose.)
They need to know they are capable of doing great things.
I tell my children that they are capable of doing exactly and only what God has for them to do. As boys, they have BIG hopes and dreams. Their plans for the future ONLY consist of being professional athletes. Don’t worry…if they don’t make it to the NBA, they’re willing to settle for MLB or NFL. At least they have a backup plan! 😉 They also need to know they’re capable of doing important things that are others-focused, like helping their parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, and strangers, because these things matter! They can and will make a difference, and they can leave every place they go better than they found it.
Kids have such a limited perspective, don’t they? It’s often difficult for them to see past the end of the week, much less grasp the reality of the years to come. But, as we all know, days turn into years more and more quickly as time passes. We are experienced enough to know that these tiny humans God has entrusted to us will grow up (sooner than later **cue the tears), and it is our job to build a foundation that prepares them to serve a purpose in the world.
You and Melissa are my living proof that our kids grow up way too fast. Cherish every day because like the song says, “Don’t blink….”. Thankfully we are blessed that we are still so close and are able to talk every day if we so choose!!