The Importance of Belief

I love this quote by a blogger named Matthew Jacobson, “Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first.”  Those words ring so true and they should be a catalyst for parents who want their children to succeed. I recognize being a parent is a supreme juggling act that would put all Vegas’ acts to shame! No one ever said being a mom or dad would be easy! But the reward of joy that it brings is beyond anything else this natural world has to offer.

Many times parents are so busy and preoccupied in their adult world that they miss the precious moments to instill “belief” into their children. A belief that God is good and worthy of our praise. A belief that He has a plan for them beyond their wildest imagination.  A belief that life may not always be easy but that God is enough through the wickedest of storms. A belief that they are worth something. A belief that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. A belief that they are uniquely made and have so much to offer to the world around them.  A belief that they will be a success!

Instead too often we as parents allow the technology of the day to steal nuggets of imagination that would run wild if given half a chance.  Steal dreams of what they will become and what they will do with their life.  Steal intimate moments of communication between family and friends. Steal the joy of walking a character through a brilliantly crafted novel.  Steal the immense pleasure of the sun hitting their face while they run, skip, jump and play.  We’ve allowed them to become sedentary and satisfied with a life without challenge.  We’ve joined the ranks of the instant gratification mentality where the art of patience and working hard for something is the collateral damage.

Too many kids today have perfected the nature of laziness.   Expecting more because you know they are capable of more is vital to the success of your children. Equally important is celebrating their successes and not pushing them beyond what their real capabilities are. It is a balancing act to stretch them 

without breaking them. But, they do need to be stretched and encouraged to strive for God’s best.

Lest you think this is a “beat up parents” rant, let me assure you that it is not my heart’s intent.  Rather, I would love for it to be a wakeup call. A voice in the midst of life’s demands that reminds us to slow down and enjoy each stage of our children’s lives. Time is so fleeting. As a mom of three and a grammie of six, I know all too well how fast time travels.  Precious are the momentary moments we have to assure them of our belief in them.  Let’s not waste them!

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Lord, I know it is so easy to get caught up in the demands of life. Help us to slow down and first seek You.  Help us to be still and know that you are God.  Then help us to love our children well.  To invest in them so that they know they are loved. To instill in them the fact that we believe in them. Help us to always be ready to encourage, uplift and even discipline when necessary. Help us to walk out our talk in front of them. I long to see parents live their faith out so radically that fewer and fewer words are even needed. Help us to love like You love! Amen