George Smiles From Jane's MarmaladeSample

DAY 4

#3 on our list: FAMILY

ASK God to show up for you in this time to inform you about honoring your family.

READ: 1TI 5.8, JOS 24.15, 1JO 4.19, 1CO 13.4-7

DEVOTIONAL: I remember people telling us about the “terrible two’s” but somehow I missed all the advice about raising teenagers! I remember going through a particularly hard time with one of my daughters while she was a senior in high school and both of us were really upset and frustrated with each other. She was expressing her anger at me, vocal for what seemed like unclear expectations. She said, “You’re the parent. You should know what you’re doing by now.” I responded passionately, “Hey, I’m doing the best I can. This is actually the first time I’ve been in this situation too you know, dealing with an 18-year-old daughter, so let’s just figure this out together.” This was a breakthrough for us both. Sometimes our kids expect us to have all the answers, but if we’re honest with ourselves (and them), this may be the first time we’re dealing with a situation or issue that neither one of us has been in before. Maybe you had a good example of parenting in your life, maybe you didn’t. So take your time, pray together, read the Bible together, seek wise counsel from others on this journey and figure it out. Love your children, be there for them, care about them, and love them no matter what. What’s that look like? We have a regular thing we do at the dinner table every night (That’s a commitment in itself – dinner together regularly!). We each take turns to give our highs and our lows of the day. Everybody listens, and then when that person is finished, they get to pick who goes next. Sometimes it’s not much info, but other times whatever is shared leads to incredible conversations and “wisdom” in figuring out this thing called “life” together. Having kids is what I call “the hardest, most fun you’ll ever have.” It is certainly an adventure, and it takes patience and intentionality on our part as parents. So make it your priority, right behind God and your Spouse, to put your kids first!

WRITE: Family is #3 on our list of priorities. Think honestly about how you are doing as a parent and write down the things that you feel you have been and are doing well. Celebrate those things! This is hard work! Write down some areas where you think you may have failed or been challenged, or maybe you could have done better. Think if there are any reasonable changes you can make in those areas. Don’t fret! All of these things can be used by God for growing our children in Him. We are not perfect, but He is! We are doing our best and we want the best for our children. It’s okay – we’re trying our hardest to do what is right and learning along the way.

MEDITATE: Thank God for your children and your family. Let God hear your honest and heartfelt concerns over the things you think maybe you have not done as well as you would have liked. Ask the Holy Spirit to wash over you in this time. Praise God for giving you the strength to be a parent and press forward, no matter what the difficulties and challenges. Thank God for His love for you, for allowing you to be part of His family, and ask for continued wisdom and clarity for making decisions as a parent in guiding your children.