Becky’s Tips: Learning from the Past
Learning from the Past
Looking back – way back- I remember vividly one evening, tucking children into bed, praying, sighing, and walking out of the room defeated. Why? It seemed as if the training was not working.
I wish I had remembered…that my obligation and my husband’s was to keep focused on God’s Word and His instruction for training children. Our obligation was to obey that instruction and pray for power and wisdom to honor God. Then we would have rested in faith that our loving Father would draw them to His Way. How much more we could have enjoyed day-to-day living!
Looking back – way back – I remember being embarrassed when a son failed to follow directions in a PUBLIC place.
I wish I had remembered…that our God made the soul of our son and formed the spirit within him. God loves what He made. God will work consistently alongside me to prosper my child’s soul. Then I could have been at peace in the training process of my son.
Looking back – way back – I remember each day’s full, full schedule. Actually, I prized getting more things into a day than most. I remember also – very well – the tension that the “hurry-up” environment created for us.
I wish I had remembered…that God is the designer of a timed day. We are to be faithful stewards of each minute. But for God to be seen in our home, there must be time for all that God assigns or encourages. Time for laughing and fun. Time for work and creativity. Time to daydream. Time to play. Time to rest. Time to worship. Time to surrender!
Looking back – way back – I remember our children being anxious to help friends and neighbors. I could begin to see a servant’s heart growing. Today I watch their servant-lives.
I’m glad I remembered…to show them 1 Peter 4:10: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” This led us to learn to enjoy serving the family and those with needs.
Looking back – way back – I remember our children seeing their church as a place they wanted to be.
I’m glad we remembered…to address problems as they arose. To see conflict in the church as a part of the sin inheritance we received. And to study and discuss, “Where is God in that conflict?” Through this we learned that trials, and learning to solve them Biblically, point us to the great and coming day when Christ will make all things new.
Looking back – way back – I remember our children wishing they were stronger, more athletic, more physically powerful.
I’m glad we remembered…to teach them, with God’s directions and His Word, to manage their own bodies as good stewards of God’s creation. That we chose to teach that God not only made their bodies but made them in His own image: teaching them the value of God’s decision to make them male; teaching the value of appreciating what God appreciates; teaching them the joy of personal strength in agreeing with God. And emphasizing the powerful gift God gave them (that He chose not to give the horse) – the gift of reason and common sense.
How is Your Nap Time?
- It is daily?
- Is it something you wish you could fit in?
- Is it peaceful?
- Is it without apology?
- Is it sporadic and hidden?
From God’s Word:
- Genesis 2:1-3: God established a pattern for us.
- Proverbs 3:24: Sweet sleep.
- Luke 8:23-25; Mark 6:30-31: Jesus napped.
- Exodus 20:9: Six days shall you work!
- Psalm 127:2: Vain to rise early and go late to rest.
And many other Scriptures point to man’s need for rest – and woman’s too!
Now consider why is it difficult to schedule rest? Why do we not have time for it? Why do we feel it robs our family of things we should be doing? Why do we not want to be known as nappers in a non-napping culture? Why are we sure that our children could never learn to be quiet? Why? Because we are proud and rebellious.
So, today we have a decision to make!
The Child’s Passion
If you and your child have confidence that a passion is God-given, then creating a plan to develop that passion becomes a part of each school year. As the skills to use the passion develop, then stewardship must be taught.
Stewardship – using the passion for the purpose that God created and assigned it.
Stewardship – seeing the passion as owned by God and the student as one who nurtures it and uses it wisely.
Stewardship – seeing God in every step of learning to exercise and wisely use the gift. For example, if someone praises my artistic rendering, I have a heartfelt gratitude for God’s working in me. I can joyfully say that God is responsible and therefore deserves all the praise.
Taking the time to develop passions can be a contribution to a life of joyful obedience.
God’s Word for You
Throughout your teaching remember to Whom you belong.
“When Jesus had spoken these words, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given Him.’” John 17:1-2 “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:3
Focus on these Words from God for you. Breathtaking! Ponder.