Our "2BA (To be a) good man or a good woman - what does it take?" series takes another step. By who for who?
Well, this is for you dads out there and the following is another talk that you should have with your kids as they approach their teen years.
[the specifics are yours to choose - the following may give you ideas]
I would hope that every dad would work with their wife and that they would share their faith beliefs with their kids. And then as their preteen is ready, to then have a good talk about what faith is. For example . . .
For me, I had a huge life challenge that unfolded when for my wife and I, our life as a Christian family was drastically impacted. If I could go back - I would have done a better job in talking with our kids about the challenge that unfolded in our lives (they were very young when it happened). I would have told them how God helped me through that challenge and I would explain how my faith changed then, how I wanted to grow in faith and follow God's path and I was so glad that everything was not 'just on my shoulders'. |
I think I missed doing this as well as I could have back in the days when our kids were heading into their teen years. I know now that I have many regrets that I could have had some great talks with our kids on the aspects of faith. Not that I wanted to force them down a path, a type of 'I'm your Dad and you better understand and embrace this'' but a this is what happened to me talk. I made my choice later then I would have liked but I did make it and I have no regrets now that I have.
Which brings me to now. I loved this image and words when I first saw it and I have been saving it for years (trying to figure out when I would use it in some way). Well, today is that day because I look at our daughter who has gone through a lot over her years and I know she is trying to grow as a Christian and I am so thankful for that. Which now brings us back to each of you who are reading these words. What faith is . . . is a complex subject that anyone can share at least a some insights on (just do it). |
And know this. Before, during and after talks with our kids on faith, they are watching us - we are role models whether we realize it or not. So, thank you for thinking about this type of a talk with your kids. And before we leave this topic, know that there are so many great Bible lessons and verses to leverage as you wish – like First Corinthians 10:13 . . . "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
If not that, just pick and choose what you wish and pursue from there. Good talks with our kids are what we need to do and if you don't have a talk (or two) on faith, you may regret it.