I don’t know if you’re like me, but I’m usually one to feel like I’m not doing enough in the realm of parenting. I desire to be more intentional, but usually feel defeated. On any given week, you can usually find me listening to podcasts and reading books searching how to be more intentional with my son.
I heard a Focus on the Family podcast recently where Bill and Pam Farrel were talking about how to be more intentional with your children. They had such an interesting, and practical point of view! I loved when they said to pick out one character quality you would like to see in each of your children over the next year. ONE. Honestly, I want to focus on 284 qualities that I think he should have. But, nope. ONE. I think there is so much freedom in that number, isn’t there?
They encouraged you to lead your child to pick a Bible Verse that corresponds to that character quality. So, I picked the character quality ‘COURAGEOUS’ for our then five year old. One night when I was tucking him into bed I was thinking about being courageous, and I literally looked up above his dresser and saw it. The scripture art I had found and bought at Hobby Lobby months ago was the exact verse we needed.
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you, wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Every night we look at it, talk about what it looks like to be courageous, and we say the verse together. He can now say the verse on his own and recognizes when someone in a story needs to feel courageous! I loved that this was a very practical, intentional way to develop character in his life.
I woke up the other night after having a bad dream. You know the ones…when you wake up with your heart beating so fast wondering if everyone is okay in the house. You know the FIRST thing that came to my mind? That verse. Joshua 1:9. I quoted it in my head and went dreamily back to sleep. THAT is the power of God’s word. It’s transformative. It’s peace giving. It’s life changing.
It’s not just God showing my son how to be courageous. God’s showing me that, too.
~Wren Phillips
Wren is a wife, mother, and podcaster. She is passionate about enabling women to feel encouraged in their walks with Jesus, and be spurred on to honor Him with the gifts and talents He has given them. You can learn more about Wren on her website, www.wrenrobbins.com
professional image courtesy of McEwen Photography