I just had a conversation with a friend about parenting. She was asking about different books I’ve read, and which ones I would recommend. Yes. I would recommend books on parenting. A vast array. You won’t agree with all of them all of the time. But there are good tools to be found in most. Two that have been the most helpful to me, are seemingly contradictory. But the heart is the same – raise good kids who turn out to be good adults with integrity, a strong sense of purpose, and a heart for following God. Without wisdom, any advice or help is only a tool, without the understanding to use it well. When we seek to add Godly Wisdom to the good advice and principles we hear and read we are well equipped for any challenge.
I heard a parent give some great advice, without knowing she was doing it, a long time ago. So long ago that I couldn’t even fathom having kids, like 5 years ago! OK, kidding. It was more like 15 years ago when I heard this gem. This mom asked God to always reveal to her what was going on with her kids. She believed that he would, and sought His voice concerning her kids. And He did. She knew when they were struggling with self image and weight issues. She knew when they were up to something they shouldn’t be. She knew if there were specific things that needed to be prayed over them at different times. When Jordan was an infant I prayed so often for wisdom to know what to do.
Why is she crying!? God, help me!
I needed to know if she was okay, hungry, needed a diaper change, more cuddles, or just needed to ‘cry-it-out’. And you know, when I listened to what the Holy Spirit had to say, just tuning in to His voice, He was always right. If I felt like the diaper needed changing, even if it had been done only 3 seconds earlier I would check, and sure enough.
Just the other day, just during normal-every-day-talking-with-God time I asked about Jordan’s behavior. She had been acting out more than usual.
What’s up? Is this just normal toddler-pushing-the-limits stuff?
You know what God told me? She needed more of my time and attention. I had been busy and fell into a routine of making sure her basic needs were met, but wasn’t connecting with her. Thank God for speaking to me! Not only is she behaving better, but I was about to miss some amazing times of connecting with my girl!
Even writing this seems silly. It’s too simple. It’s too easy. Yet it can be so difficult.
Was that really God?
The more I learn to do my best to listen and obey, God really does take care of the rest. If I miss it, I learn and move on. If I ‘get it’, then I’ve learned one more way, one more experience, and gained confidence that I do hear from God. And more importantly, that God does want to speak to me… even about dirty-diapers and toddler-tantrums!
One of the biggest keys to parenting I’ve found is consistency. From potty training and beyond, this is an area I struggle with as a parent. So I seek for wisdom. And strength. And grace. Wisdom to know what is truly important to stick to. Strength & grace to actually do it when I don’t feel like it, when I’m tired, when I’m distracted.
As I mentioned above, I talk to God a lot throughout the day. I don’t consider myself a great ‘prayer’, but I know that God is with me all day, in everything, so I talk to Him. And, yes, He answers. (I think that’s one definition of prayer… communication with God.)
- Do you pray for your kids?
- Is seeking God for wisdom in parenting something you’ve thought about before?
- What’s the biggest struggle you have when it come to connecting with your kids?
Thanks for reading, I’d love to hear some of your parenting ‘gems’!
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
Annie
