If your child is under the age of one, think of them like the weather in Texas: If you don’t like something, just wait a week and you will see things change.
If your child is toddling around the house: think of 2017 like your box of Christmas ornaments: some moments are fragile, sometimes things break, but the best ones hold a memory. The memories you are making will become favorites for the rest of your lives. And you will smile and laugh more often in 2017 than you can imagine.
If your child is in elementary school, think about the amount of information that young mind will absorb by this time next year. Then, take a moment and think about the spiritual goals you have for that young mind. What do you want your child to learn about God in 2017?
If your child is in junior high, think of them like the weather in Texas: if you don’t like something, just wait a month and you will see things change. (It isn’t quite as fast as those young ones!)
If your child is in high school, think about who you want them to be when they are 30: if they have a close walk with God now, chances are they will have a close walk with God then.
If your child is in college, think about the challenges that will be presented to your child’s faith: chances are, they will question whether their faith is real or just something they believed because you did. Pray that God will bring people to influence their minds and help them become a devoted follower of God.
And for all of you who will parent all your kids through 2017, here is a Bible verse to direct and encourage you: “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15).
All of us at ChristianParenting.org will work to provide articles, stories, and biblical teaching so that we can help make the incredible job of parenting just a bit easier. Wisdom is a gift from God, and He loves to give wisdom to any who will ask. May your 2017 be filled with laughter, joy, happy memories, and, especially, God’s wisdom for your family.
Happy New Year to all of you who are raising your children to know and love God!
