PARENTS, CHILDREN, FREE WILL AND GOD

A good friend online sent me this piece and it's a good one on parenting. I have retained the generic ideas on that list and left out the rest with the hope that my friend would do the honors of posting the complete text in his blog. To quote...


"Helping Your Children Like Themselves," --James Harris (1983)

1. Teach children that they are divine spirits who have the potential to become like their Father in Heaven.
2. Be positive and optimistic when children make mistakes; avoid dwelling on their weaknesses.
3. Understand each child and adapt your teaching style accordingly.
4. Teach children correct principles, but give them room to learn and grow by encouraging them to do things on their own.
5. Help your child develop self-worth by learning to serve others.
6. Spend as much time with your children as you can.
7. Teach your children how to work.
8. Teach children to see the good in other people.
9. Teach children to respect themselves and not to dwell on their shortcomings.
10. Speak and act in ways that sincerely express your love to your children.

Unquote.

And I know that parents everywhere hope in their hearts that they have done one or some of these in good measure. We can only do our best with our children but we can never be sure of how they will turn out. Because as they grow older they will begin to use their own free wills.

'Free will' is both a blessing and a bane, and to some a curse. But then this is how God meant it to be -- that man exercise the gift of free will to make choices hoping that man has learned well to choose good. I have always believed that god does not interfere with man's exercise of free will but is certainly quick to respond whenever invited. That is what prayer is all about.

I have, with all that I could muster, tried to raise my girls into god-anchored individuals. Because I know that there is their safety and surety as they travel their own life journeys. Beauty brilliance education titles or riches have their uses agreed but they are nothing compared to the power of our Creator. There is so much more that he can do for you which not even all of these combined can. With God nothing is impossible. Peace in the midst of chaos, clarity in confusion, help in dire need, discernment in false surroundings, decision in uncertainty, and so much more you haven't even begin to realize. All that you have to do is ask -- in prayer.

May God bless you with all these and so much more. :-)