TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

“teach your children well,”

The responsibility of a parent is a great one if taken to it’s fullest extent. God mentions this responsibility so many times in Bible and in Jesus teachings to the disciples. We, whether by natural, or adoption, help raise children every day. This includes….those of us that had no biological kids, but helped raise several of my friends children, just by being present. Being present is what God asks of us. Sometimes they liked it, sometimes they did not, but I was and still am there for them anytime they need me. I have the heart of a parent.

When I think of my linage, I suppose I grew up in this manner. Teaching was always paramount in my family, and being there for each other was as well. Our family is small and so it was even more important that our friends became like family. I took instruction from them, ( sometimes willingly, sometimes not,) I took advice, kidding and mostly I was given love. Unconditional love.

Unconditional love is not without rules. Unconditional love does not necessarily mean I approve or agree with every decision you make, every behavior exhibited, but it does mean that no matter what, I love your person, I am thankful for your being and existence and without it, my life would not be the same.

I have watched and heard from so many parents that struggle with questions about children such as: “how can I love this little brat so much?…They drive me to my brink!”

(The list of those questions goes on and on obviously, but here is the clicker...)

God loves YOU, no matter what. He set down rules, guidelines and even commandments that we agree with or not. We may follow those rules and we may not. We may go astray for a bit and then we may return. Through it all, God loves us…without exception. This sort of eternal love is what I feel binds us together, whether we are connected by DNA or simply by a knowing we belong together.

As we traverse the paths of teaching, whether that is children or others, it is important we remember to teach them well. Teach with empathy, with understanding, with listening ears and and an open heart. Teach love, show love, show love toward others. I posted earlier …”Jesus was a great example of love, be like Jesus.” I still believe that. Live like Jesus, with open arms, unconditional love and understanding for others.

Let me know your thoughts!

Blessings,

Tanny