Have you ever found that you can hear or read the same thing a number of times over the years, and yet every so often you’ll get something new from it? A favourite book, inspirational quote, or even a podcast can bring new light when you encounter it at a different time of your life. I have found this especially true for Bible scriptures. Sometimes I will find new revelation in the most unlikely of places, in a verse or story I never gave much thought to. Other times one of those well-worn, frequently recited verses will strike a new note, bringing fresh clarity into our lives. This very thing happened to me yesterday, a fresh take on a favourite Bible passage. If you’re a parent, whether you have faith or not, I encourage you to read on!
I was listening to a devotinal called “Winning the War in Your Mind”, because my mind was flying all about with unhelpful thoughts, fixating on problems that don’t even exist yet! Wasting my mental and emotional energy, so I thought, why not just choose one of these little devotionals and make myself focus on something more positive. I almost talked myself out of it, thinking, “I know what I need to do, so just do it!” but I ignored that voice, picked the one mentioned above, and clicked the button to have my phone read it to me. The devotional for the day made the points I already “know” (but clearly needed a reminder of), but the very first scripture was one I “know” that brought fresh light to my life.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
This scripture is usually one I think of in terms of the world around me, focus on the good. It’s not to say we pretend the bad things don’t exist, but to say that is not where our focus goes. As I listened, my heart opened to a fresh application of this, my children. When I am parenting, thinking or speaking to or about my kids, where is my focus? There is nothing wrong with bringing correction where it is needed, but what do I think and say most? I know that I have grown a lot in this area, but I know there is still room to grow more.
…if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Want to be a happier mom (or dad), with happier children? Focus on the things you want to see, that are already there. Even if you don’t see them active, call them out in your words and thoughts! Your son acted unkindly towards his sister, but you KNOW him to have a kind heart? Your daughter is acting out in ways that are fully out of her usual character? Think on the truth of who they are, and when you bring correction your true heart for your child will be revealed. Even if focusing on all the lovely potential isn’t enough to bring immediate permanent change (and, let’s be honest, it probably won’t), you will experience deeper peace and greater joy in your parenting. You will grow, and your child will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are loved, even when they are behaving in unlovable ways.
Kyla