The words you speak from NewSpring Church on Vimeo.

Today I sent my oldest on a week long trip without us. While I think she will have an awesome experience I am a bit sad and shocked at the rate with which she is growing up…

I guess a bit of parental reality hit me…

Eventually they do grow up and becoming independent and that is not as easy to deal with as one might think…

“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”

As I read this scripture this morning, it struck me as a parent. As I work to grow kids into Godly adults, I wonder if I am doing a good enough job in this area of forgiving much.

I will be honest forgiving is not something I am strong at. But then if I am being really honest, I have struggled the last few months, dare I say years, at being the kind of Dad that my kids really need.

I have never really thought the two, forgiveness and much love, were connected though. On those days when I hold grudges against kids who don’t listen or are disrespectful, I do notice I get little love in return. But on those “shining moments” when I honest forgive them and express that to them, the response far exceeds what I would expect.

So what I am taking away seems to be that loving and forgiving does return far more love than holding grudge or hiding my feelings. Imagine that, God’s Word applying directly to a situation – duh! of course…

What are your thoughts about parenting and the extent one should forgive their kids even in the face of disrespect?

Last night I was assisting with an event for work and had a great opportunity to hear an author speak. She had a simple but important message…

Love well…laugh often…live for Jesus

Really that is what life should be all about. Simple and to the point…

I’ve heard similar statements before but maybe it hit me because of where I’m at now…whatever the reason, it’s an important reminder for us all

What do you think?

I feel like I am sitting on the verge of something that could be really cool and accomplish a lot of ministry or fall over and go splat. This is where God could just drop a neon sign and let me know in no uncertain terms what he wants me to do.

But then would that really require faith from me?

I am reminded of a quote I have used on this blog before but I will state it again – “if God wants to teach someone patience (faith in my case) does he give it to them or does he provide opportunities to practice patience (faith)?”

If I don’t take opportunities to stretch my faith and dependence on him, will I ever grow in those areas?

Please pray for me as I seek wisdom from God on the direction of ministry efforts.

Thanks

Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.