I’ve heard some very frightening things as a parent. I’ve heard about statistics for teenage pregnancies, teenage drug-use, child molestation. I’ve seen shows about children being kidnapped. I’ve heard stories about children being hurt. But none of this even comes close to the most frightening thing I’ve ever heard as a parent.
Nope. One statement takes the cake. John Maxwell said it. I can’t remember what book or lesson it was in. I just know he’s the one I heard it from and I know it has stuck with me for a long time. It is really having a big impact on me today because yesterday Marita and I had to get onto all of our kids regarding how they were treating each other. I was listening to us as we especially tried to explain to Tessa how the way she acts influences others. When we were saying that, this one frightening statement hit me like a ton of bricks.
I’m sure it won’t scare some of you the way it frightens me, but I want to put it out there for you to think upon and grow wise.
Are you ready?
“We teach what we know, we reproduce what we are.”
AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH! I wish I could run and hide. Here’s what I’ve taken from it. Before I can even remotely try to fix my kids, I’ve got to work on me.
Now don’t get me wrong, I know I still have to step up and teach my kids what I know. But before I arrogantly wonder how on earth kids that behave like this came from me, I should spend a little more time looking at me honestly.
The other day Julie-Ann started pretending to lead singing, read a Bible story & say a prayer. We had just finished our devotional from "Built by the Lord", and I was feeling pretty crummy about myself as a wife. Then I watched Julie-Ann bow her head and say, "Dear God, Thank you for the beautiful day and Daddy's home and takes good care of Julie-Ann, Mommy & Baby Sydney. Amen." I cried, and I felt a little better about myself. I make a lot of mistakes, but I must be doing something right. Thanks for your springboard!