Good morning! Today I’m thinking about how I can help my family grow in their relationship with God, how I can help them grow in the things they enjoy doing, and how I can support and encourage them to live out God’s purpose for their lives.
When you make the choice to get married to your best friend, you are also making the choice to put their needs above your own. When you make the choice to add to your family by having kids, you are also making the choice to put their development and growth your first priority.
We should look to develop the whole person – physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. This is one of the most difficult things to do because each child is different.
Many times I have tried and failed because I naturally revert to treating Josh in a way that makes sense to me. When I fail, I try my best to be honest about it with myself and Josh. So… I think that even in my shortcomings he is being developed.
Failing is a BIG part of life. No one gets it right the first time every time! A long time ago, I remember reading this book by John Maxwell titled, ‘Failing Forward.’ The title of the book resonated with me because honestly, I felt like I failed so much at many things and wanted to learn how to capitalize on those moments in my life.
I didn’t want to allow my failures to hold me back from what God wanted to do in my life. If I was going to fail, I wanted to fail in the best way I could. Not that I want to fail, but if I am going to fail I want to use it to grow and get better.
After Josh’s team lost their playoff game last night and Josh had no playing time in the field, my heart broke for him. He started playing travel baseball halfway into their summer season and has put in a ton of work to catch up to the level of play demonstrated by his teammates. I am SO PROUD of him! We knew the playing time would be slow at first, but it’s tough to watch your kid have to wait his turn.
He was so good about it, but in my best effort, I tried my best to challenge him to keep working hard and making the choice to not quit when things get hard. At the same time, I tried my best to encourage him and praise him for the growth that has taken place so far!
Sometimes we can’t handle the situation how we would want to, because it would not benefit Josh – it would probably just make me feel better. But when I put his needs, feelings, development, and growth above my own, more times than not he will hear what I have to say and allow it to influence his life.
“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
John 12:24
When we put others needs above our own, we can actually produce more fruit than we ever could on our own. This is the same attitude that Jesus had when He went to the cross – gave up His own life so that ALL who believe could have eternal life through Him!
Let’s do our best to put the needs and growth of others above our own, and recognize that in living in this way, our lives will produce a greater return!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the selfless attitude You have put on full display for us! When we live for ourselves, we may be able to accomplish things, but when we live to lift others up, You will be glorified in us producing an even greater harvest! Help us to follow Your example and live for You in everything we do! In Jesus Name – AMEN!
Be Transformed 