What Do Your Children See?

By Bridget (One Word at a Time)

"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." (Proverbs 17:6)

I often think about what kind of example I’m setting for my children.  Do they see a follower of Jesus, a devoted wife, a loving mother?  Do they feel secure that they live in a home where their parents love and respect one another and will always be there for them? 

I take the role God gave me as a parent extremely seriously… but I’m human and I constantly fall short of the example He set for us to follow.  I’m far from perfect, but instead of spending a bunch of time kicking myself for the ‘I should have’s” and the “if only’s”… I need to focus on the things I can change.

We’re now in the season where we should be preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Could there be a more significant time for us as Christians to celebrate than that?  This is supposed to be a joyous time of year, yet I’ve been really convicted the past few weeks for the bad attitude I’ve had.  There’s a voice in my head constantly reminding me… “Life is hard… I’m depressed… I want to be able to give and do more…”

This is when I thought of my children.  Is this what I want them to think about at Christmas… financial woes, frustration and disappointment?  NO! I want them to remember this season is about the birth of our Savior and the enormous sacrifice our Heavenly Father gave to us… sinners!

This was the ultimate gift any of us has… or ever will be given… have you accepted it… will you celebrate it… even under difficult circumstances?

What kind of example are you setting? Have you thought about the legacy you’ll leave behind for your children?

Bridget is a friend and fellow blogger lives in Washington state, and is a wife and mother to two awesome teenagers. Be sure to go to check out what she has to say as she tries to Make a Difference, One Word At A Time.

Comments

[MAD21]

It can be so hard as a parent knowing that there are little people watching your every move. Having to be "ON" every moment of the day is exhausting, isn't it?

I'm so thankful we have a forgiving God who can use our mistakes to teach not only us, but also our children. We just have to be open to laying our pride aside, which is also a hard thing to do. When it's appropriate, I think it's so important to go to our children and ask them for forgiveness when we mess up. I think it is a great opportunity to not only learn about forgiveness, but also what to do when they make a mistake themselves.

One of the things I love about having little kids in my life, is that they remind me of exactly what you said... to enjoy life/holidays the way they should be enjoyed. Laying aside all the daily life stresses, and just enjoying being together and making memories.

Thanks, Bridget!