Have you ever watched your child watch another child?
Sometimes our child is inspired. Other times, not…
Our child’s attention is captured by the other child’s strength. Her face and body language communicate a wrestling within between “who I wish I was” and “how I see me”. Reacting to the pain in our heart, we encourage, delicately comfort and maybe mentally consider strategies to fix ‘it’.
It: the source of struggle.
It: that thing she’s named weakness, not-good-enough, failure.
It: body image. personality. popularity. achievement. value and worth.
Hmmm…the same themes we wrestle with as adults as we observe, compare, conclude.
What an opportunity we have. To disciple and pray for our child to embrace a hope-filled perspective.
Perspective is pivotal.
The question is: What’s our perspective?
Do we try to make our self look or act like another person we admire?
Do we try to make our child into who we want him to be?
Is our self-view a conclusion based on self review?
Do we view our child in comparison to other children?
OR
Do we believe that our Maker has uniquely designed each of us?
God said to Abraham, “…for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations…” (Genesis 17.5b-6)
God uniquely designed Abraham. Over many years, through discouragement, mess-ups, trial and perseverance, Abraham was becoming who God designed him to be. Abraham practiced keeping his eyes on his Maker.
…”And he (Jesus) said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'”
God’s design is promised. A calling-in-common, yet uniquely designed for each apostle. Over years, through hardship, persecution, even confusion, they stayed close to Jesus. As they followed, he made them.
…”See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel…and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship…” (Exodus 35.30-31)
God fills us with his Spirit and equips us to faithfully follow his leading.
Every day is purposed to grow, refine and fulfill his unique design for each of us.
As we follow and know God, we gain understanding of our design.
Holding us in his loving hands, God is making you, making me and making our child.
It’s a waste of time to try to make our self—or our child. We’re clay. There’s only one Potter. “But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64.8)
Dear God,
You made me and my child for you and your glory. Help me see myself the way you see me. Strengthen me to follow you and be malleable for your molding. Help me partner with you to disciple and encourage my child to know you and understand your design for her. Thank you for holding us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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