“Jesus” Parenting

There were many things I did right as a mother. I believe I communicated my love to my children effectively. I feel I balanced discipline, respect, and compassion quite well. I think I had a nice balance of firmness with relationship.

However, the one thing I regret is the role Jesus Christ played in our home when the children were growing up. Certainly, He was part of our lives, especially by the time the last one joined our family—an increasingly larger part actually. But what I hadn’t comprehended until I turned the big 4-0 (see, there is a benefit to getting older) is that God shouldn’t be relegated to just a part of our lives. The Holy Living Father of Space and Time needs to be the center, around which everything else revolves.

This is a profound, life-changing concept. One I did not grasp until my older children were in double digits. I profoundly regret missing the most influential time to bury this truth deep into their hearts.

Nonetheless, His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). I often forget that I am not doing this parenting thing alone. Even single parents are only playing a supporting role in the raising of these precious charges we’ve been assigned. God is the one instrumental in changing their hearts, in calling them to Him.

Yes, we do need to do our best. But God doesn’t wring His hands in hopelessness when we fail. Ultimately, our children’s lives belong to Him. He will shepherd them when we fall down on the job.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!”(Joshua 1:9)

Share in the Discussion: Have you ever felt like you failed as a parent? How do you keep Jesus central in your family?

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