As our children face the hurdles of growing up, let’s be their safe place, their refuge, the ones that are FOR them, so they know we are in it with them.
When we hit the peak of frustration and want to pull our hair out (been there!), let’s show our kids we are ON THEIR TEAM and WANT them to succeed. Even though they might have let us down, let’s not retaliate in anger.
Instead, let’s WIN THEM OVER by being FOR them.
Not to say we shouldn’t discipline or follow-through – the opposite actually. But, when we give consequences, THERE IS POWER IN FILTERING OUR WORDS THROUGH LOVE AND THE BELIEF THAT “I AM FOR YOU”. (Lord, please grace us with this gift!).
Regardless of whether our kids show it, especially as they get older, they need us. They need us being FOR them. On their side. On their team.
In those painful moments they push us away or speak hurtful words, they might need some alone time to calm down, but they always need us pursuing them. Choosing them. Believing in them.
While we’ll need grace over and over, the more we practice speaking in love and not in anger, the more naturally it will come. While none of us will be perfect in this, every day is a chance to try again.
To try to show the ones God has given us, that we love them, adore them, and that we are FOR them.
“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ…” Ephesians 4:15
Linsey Driskill 