"Bubble Wrap"
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Almost everything seems life-threatening to a newborn baby, especially when you're a first-time parent. A loose blanket in their crib, a small toy, stairs, pets, coffee table corners, and especially the dreaded electrical outlets all seem to pose a mortal danger to small children. You might wrap your child in bubble wrap if it wasn't such a potential choking hazard! But it doesn't get easier as our kids grow up. There's always danger lurking around the next corner. Though "helicopter parenting" is tempting, someday they'll need to face difficulties without you. So, as we prepare to send our kids out into the world, how do we empower them and guide them through life's obstacles?
The Big Idea
As we send our children into the world, we can't protect them from every danger. Our kids, like all of us, may travel "through the valley of the shadow of death" someday (Ps. 23:4). We may grieve over the life they've chosen, as David did with Absalom (2 Sam. 19:4). Maybe we'll mourn for the treatment they've unfairly endured, like Mary at her son's crucifixion (John 19:26). With storms on the horizon, let's build our homes on solid ground now, shepherding and shaping them according to the Lord's pattern.
Be there for them, always available to step in and help when they're ready for our support. Our kids should know that we'll always love them, no matter the mistakes they've made or the situation in which they've found themselves. Remember how the prodigal son's "father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20)?
But here's some good news: we have a helper who cares about them even more than we do. So get on your knees every day, pleading for his protection over them, as Job did for his children (Job 1:5). When we feel powerless to step in and rescue them, call on the Almighty Father to "keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15).
The Big Question
How will you respond when your child fails their tests?
