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I'm linking up with Home with the Boys for the next few weeks and reading Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson. If you'd like to join in, here is the original post from Erin with the details and reading schedule.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from this chapter:
- What do I want my children to know? What do I want my children to be? What do I want my children to do? pg. 97
- Through study, discussion, and memorization, I want to drive those truths deep into their hearts and minds. Perhaps, some day, they will need to call them to mind when they have need of hope. If they do, I know that my God will be faithful. pg. 99
- I cannot make my children mature all at once, but I can help them grow in godliness one quality at a time. pg. 101
- I want them to grow up not just believing but seeing that God will use even the smallest servant to accomplish great things for his kingdom. pg. 102
Do you ever wish there was an instruction manual for your kids? I do! Sally reminds us in this chapter that unfortunately God doesn't give us detailed, step-by-step instructions in for raising our children. Every family and every child is a little different, but the book of Proverbs does give us some universal truths that will help us follow the “path of life.” As we walk on this path, we as moms are the guide, teacher, and protector. We are to be modeling good character, teaching what we ourselves are learning, and at the ready to bring our children back onto the path when they veer off it.
One of the reasons that we chose to homeschool was so that Josh and I could be the primary influences in our children's lives. This means that I am “on” 24-7. I cannot guide where I haven't been, teach what I don't know, or protect when I am naive to the enemies. My mornings are honestly my best defense. {Or that an offensive strategy? I'm bad with sports analogies…} When I'm up and have taken care of preparing myself for the day both physically and spiritually before my boys are up, I'm a better mom and then I can truly guide, teach, and protect them.
How do you guide, teach, and protector your kids?
