Parental Approval - Part 2

Happy Thanksgiving!
 
It’s Thanksgiving and we have so much to be grateful for, especially in the high calling of parenting. Parenting is the highest office in the family and it pays tremendous dividends which are passed down for generations. Your approval as a parent impacts not just your kids, but many levels of grandchildren to come. 
 
Take for example what you learned from your parents / grandparents about handling family disagreements … do you pout, blow up, sulk, or react without thinking, etc. These emotions will determine future actions and reactions to relationships within and without the family.
 
Little boys see dads as super heroes, the teen years challenge dad’s realities and the college years bring respect and honor as the parenting relationship transitions into a mentoring friend. Little girls adore their fathers and look to them for affirmation. 
 
Mom’s you have the inside track from the start – respectfully intended, those first nine months brought an
intimacy and nurturing that no one else on the planet could ever replace.  Mom, you are so special to us.
 
So it’s Turkey Day, and even if this day blows up with unmet expectations, stay committed to the high calling of parenting. Use it to cultivate an adventure and discovery of your children’s God-given talents. Watch the indescribable joy of God’s workmanship that is “priceless”, better said … divine. 
 
Do not blame, shame or dismiss your own / others short comings. Rather, let it drive you to the One and only perfect Heavenly Father who absolutely has your family’s best interest at heart (Deuteronomy 7:9) .
 
Parent approval is the most powerful tool on the planet – be careful not use it as a manipulator and/or ego validator. May your approval be used for the pleasure of God to allow your little turkeys to develop into MACs and WOGs.  
 
Parents, let’s get in the Word and stay in the Word. Be consistent and be intentional – give grace and live in His Grace (John 1:16).
 

Camper Corner
 
Camper-- give your parents a break. They want to connect with you in a BIG TIME way. Yes, they can be goofy, quirky and just downright suffocating, but give ‘em grace. Insist that they point the “fam” to spiritual things. Respectfully inquire … “where is God in this?”, “What are we learning about God?”. Don’t expect a seminary reply, but you can help them provide a Godly Heritage (1 Timothy 4:12). Don’t be a turkey ‘cause some day when you’re a parent you’ll find out how difficult it can be! 
Blessed Thanksgiving!