Proverbs 14:12

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

My son’s shipment of textbooks arrived today. The excitement was high, we didn’t know which one to peruse first. I believe it was the Holy Spirit that had us decide on a particular one authored by Stephen R. Covey.

We read for about ten minutes and I was consumed by what I read for the rest of the day. I could not help but think of asking you this question, “What is your honest perception of your children?”

We have been making declarations and unearthing issues and situations that could and will negatively impact our children if we do not take deliberate actions.

Between you and me, “What are your perception of your children?” Are you so caught up in their weakness that you are blinded to their strengths; their person and their truth.

Are you forcing yourself to see them through the eyes of your friends, your parents and or your colleagues?

Are you cheering them on though they are being forced down a path that is only right for some others and can only bring peril to them? If this is the case, it must be tearing you apart.

Covey shared a scenario where his son that, to me, seems to have special needs was playing baseball and was a spectacle to onlookers. He and his wife tried to soften the blows of ridicule and humiliation that hit him constantly by saying things to him that they truly did not believe. Although they encouraged him, they believed that he was inadequate.

Through what lens do you see your children?

Let us pray

Philippians 4:8

Father, in the name of Jesus, I come to you today for help. My help comes from You. You are my Help.

My children are good gifts.

Help me to feed my mind with and meditate on the things that are true about my children.

There are noble things about them, help me to see and to embrace each of them.

Each one is authentic, compelling and full of grace.

Let me see the best, not the worst. The beauty, not the ugly and things to praise not to curse.

Help me to put into practice that which I have seen heard and learnt so that You can make everything work together for my good.

Amen.