I can’t believe my daughter, Grace, is graduating this coming week. Wow, that flew by fast. I am so proud of Grace and all she’s accomplished. She has excelled academically with great grades in many challenging courses. But, what I am most proud of is her personal relationship with Jesus and the way she loves others. She is truly a young woman of character and integrity. She loves Jesus, her family, her church, missions and is prepared to make an impact in this world for Christ and His Kingdom. She has a strong spiritual foundation on which to build her life.
For all the parents of preschoolers, children and students, let me encourage you in four ways:
1. Make church a priority. – It is great if your child knows how to kick a soccer ball, but their relationship with Jesus will last a whole lot longer. Grace played soccer, basketball, tennis, etc. and it was a lot of fun. But, be sure to invest in your child’s spiritual foundation. Don’t wait until they are graduating to make this a priority – start now. Through sports, busyness, and school, make sure your kids know that their spiritual life is important to them and you.
2. Talk to your kids. – Statistics show that parents have less than 2 minutes of meaningful conversation with their kids on average per day. Take the time to have deep and meaningful conversations with your child. I have loved my time with Grace over the years talking about life, boys, jobs, friends, and more. Talk about fun things, but also spiritual and practical matters. Talk to them about sex, friends, prayer, and every topic you can. This develops a trust with you. They grow up fast, so make spending time together a priority.
3. Fight the battles. – Sometimes parents want to be more “friends” with their children than their parents. Kids don’t need more friends, they need parents. Be willing to tell your kids “no.” Our kids began asking for phones when they were in third grade. “But, dad, all my friends have a phone.” We fought the battle and said they could not have a phone until they were in 7th grade, and no social media until 9th grade. Going to Student Ministry, praying at meals, having a curfew, and hanging out with the right people, are all battles worth fighting. Kids need boundaries, and as parents, we need to be parents to help them grow healthy.
4. Cherish every moment. – Each phase of life brings big blessings and challenges. Don’t try to fast forward through any phase of life. Cherish the moments. Take pictures, create experiences and make memories. I remember Grace sitting on my shoulders on Main Street at DisneyWorld, then getting dressed up for the Daddy Daughter Ball, and then taking her to practice driving. The days are long, but the years are fast. Embrace and cherish every moment. Laugh, love, and embrace your child at every stage of life. Pretty soon, you will be celebrating their graduation.
As parents, we are called not to have great kids, but even more to raise godly adults. Giving them a solid spiritual foundation early impacts the rest of their life. Set priorities for your kids that show them what you value. Above all, point them to Jesus. Long after you, as a parent are gone, if they have a growing relationship with Jesus then they will always feel protected and blessed. As a parent, we are called to point them to Jesus and to love them well. Our kids will make mistakes, but always love them through it all. Remember, God loves your child even more than you do. Always give your best to raise them in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Model a healthy, growing, loving relationship with Jesus. You are a great parent, and always know I am praying for you!
I’m so proud of my daughter, Grace. I will miss her when she goes to college (in fact, if I think about it too much, then I will start to tear up). But, I also know she is ready. She will do great! She has a personal relationship with Jesus and a strong spiritual foundation. You go, girl!
Grace, I am so proud of you. You are ready. God loves you and your daddy loves you. Go in the Name of the Lord and impact this world for Jesus! You will always be my little girl! I love you.
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