PARENTING WELL
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13, ESV
Theme: It is worth putting in the effort to be the kind of parent who shows compassion as God shows mercy to us.
A SNOWY DAY
Did you know I am an extrovert, eager, sometimes bossy, leader? I had my hand up so much in grade school that they moved me to the back row so other students could see.
One day when I was a second grader, a major blizzard hit our small town in Tennessee. Parents came to pick up kids, and the buses left in a hurry. I lived about a block from school and was a “walker.” Usually, an older student guided us across the street and off the school property before we went our separate ways. That day, I volunteered to lead the “walkers” across the street. As an adult, I wonder why a teacher didn’t take the place of the regular student? Why didn’t they select the oldest kid in our pack? Why did they pick me? (Well, maybe because I was yelling, “Pick me! Pick me!”)
In any case, I took my group out and even before I got to the street, I stepped off the sidewalk into a snow-covered puddle, soaking my shoe and sock. Once across the street, we all went our separate ways. I then decided it was faster to go across the vacant lot than around on the sidewalk. By the time I got a few feet into it, I was wet up to my mid-shins. I started shivering (and maybe crying just a bit). I looked up and saw my dad coming directly towards me. He was dressed warmly, but he also brought his anorak – a big, Air Force-issued survival coat with fur around the face, the one made for extreme conditions! He wrapped me up in the anorak, scooped me up, and carried me straight home where my mom had hot cocoa waiting.
TO THE RESCUE
It’s not surprising that a parent would rescue and protect their children. Although some parents don’t, most do. Most parents feel their children’s fear and pain. They react to alleviate or lessen it. They nourish and sacrifice for them. Does this sound like our Heavenly Father? It should.
Even going further than protection and provision, the Lord asks parents to show His compassion, mercy, and grace. Yes, you should establish rules. Yes, there should be consequences, but above all, remember the character of your Father, God, and His everlasting love and compassion for you. Be the embodiment of His Spirit to your children. If your child has wandered far from the faith, be like the father of the prodigal, watching and waiting for the opportunity to offer forgiveness and a second chance.
Make It Personal: Even if your parents’ example did not emulate God, as believers, we can be transformed. We can become the parents God intended us to be. Consider the ways you could show compassion, understanding, and mercy. Spend time thinking of how God might use you to be an extension of His love.
Pray: Father, I have messed up. Forgive me. Help me to ask my children’s forgiveness. Help me to be ready to extend compassion and draw them back close to my heart. More than any earthly thing I desire for them, I pray You would help me point them back to You and show Your love for them. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Matthew 9:36; Mark 9:20-25; Luke 11:13
Weekly Memory Verse: “Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)