Generation NeXt Parenting

The Little Things

This morning I got the same messages from two different devotional books I'm reading. What are the odds??? There are no odds, because I know in God's kingdom everything is for a purpose.

So what are these messages?

1. God desires you to be faithful with the small assignments He's given you before He moves you on to bigger ones. He's more concerned with character--training you into the type of person He can use.

2. When God gives you an assignment, the timing is now. Not next week or next year. He has chosen this timing for a reason.

3. The most important person is the one right in front of you. Jesus was the perfect example of this.

4. No one seeks the things of God unless God is at work.

So, how am I going to apply this? I already have.

First, I was on my exercise bike when my daughter came into the room.

"What are you doing today, Mom?" she asked.

I was reading, but I put the book down. We chatted about nothing in particular, but it was nice. I showed her she was important. Later, I noticed her whole attitude was great. She even went out of her way to be nice to her brother, go figure.

Second, my youngest son had a frown. His dad had limited his video game time per day, and it had him stressed out.

"What am I going to do instead?" he asked.

We talked about some things he liked, including two hobbies he enjoys but hasn't developed: dog training and cartooning. I told him I'd put some books and videos on hold for him at the library for him.

After we talked, his face brightened. "Thanks Mom."

They are little things. Or are they? I know that most of the time I run through my day with MY agenda in mind. I'm going to continue to work on these four things, leaving the leading up to the Lord.

Who knows what will come out of it? Peaceful hearts? Better family connections? Friends and family members who come to Christ better? Strangers that join God's kingdom?

Now that will be well-worth finding out.

© Tricia Goyer


Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.

posted by Tricia Goyer @ 7:44 AM