Holy Cow it is July. Speaking with some of the youth they are blown away (as I am) that July has started! Many of you have done vacations, sports activities, family gathers and work. The Summer was meant to slow down but it has really sped up. Or at least it feels that way.
I was visiting my family the last full week of June. My brother (and his family) came up from Texas and we spent a few days together. We have three children and he has two children. Our kiddos are all within 7 years of each other, with the oldest being 12 in August.
How many of you remember your child being 11 or 12? Many of you have students that will be graduating soon (or have already graduated) and others have students just starting in the Youth ministry. Either way I have come to realize how fast time really fly bys. My mom always said when your child gets into middle your time with them really goes by quickly.
With that being said. As parents and guardians how are we utilizing our time with our children/students? A couple things this summer that you can do to help cultivate your Child's heart toward a more loving relationship with Jesus:
1) Find moments to Turn off the cell phones/electronic devices - Find a day out of the week were you shut off your devices. Take that time and play together. No matter how old your child is they enjoy playing (even now I like playing games with my dad). We are in a distracted world. Utilize times of shutting off the devices to focus on the Lord through prayer, reading of the scriptures and singing. Dinner (supper) time is a great time for this.
2) Windsheild time! What do I mean? When you are driving in the car to the next sports event, family gathering, to the returaunt of your choice or on your way home from church. Utilize these times to ask question that drive home biblical themes and a christian walk. Question like: Did you hear Pastor Rodney say.... and what did you think about that? Or did you hear about what happened in... Let what do you think about that? Let's pray for them. Or just ask how they are doing? You have a captive audience... they are physically strapped in and can't escape to their room or friends to get away from the awkward convo with mom and dad.
Proverbs 22:6 (NLT), "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." This psalm is not saying your child won't make pour choices (because we know we did) but that If we start now directing them toward the path of what the Lord wants that it can have major benefits in their walk with Christ. We must take a proactive approach in the way our children should go. It is not easy and it is a battle and we must fight in a way that Honors the lord. Take time and redeem your time for Jesus and your student!
Have a blessed month
-Pastor Shawn