“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Isaiah 30:21
As soon as you become a mom, the decisions start almost immediately. How will I feed baby? What kind of diapers? Should I sleep train? Do I work, stay home, work part time, work from home? Then the children grow and so do the decisions. What type of school, which activities, how many activities, which friends? Demands on our families’ time and energy seem endless.
I sometimes feel overwhelmed thinking my kids are missing out because I have not signed them up for all the right things. I do not want them to miss out on opportunities when they are young, but I also do not want them to miss the opportunity to be bored, and therefore learn to be creative and make their own fun. Living in a time and place with so many options for kids and families is a blessing, but it can also be too much!
I have found that when I remind myself of our personal goals as parents, these decisions become easier. I want my children to love Jesus, become independent, and care for others. If I measure the activity in question against these goals, I gain clarity on the right decision. Knowing your family values and goals is a great way to quiet the voice of the world that is constantly demanding more. Knowing the goal provides clarity and consistency for the whole family!
Jesus gives us a great place to start when he commands, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And second to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22: 37-39). Be prayerful about developing some Godly principles to guide your family. God will show you the right choices and will be the voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Challenge: Think about guiding principles for your family. What are your core family values?
Rebecca Steinbach
“In the Trenches” Contributing Writer
Wife, Mother of 3 girls, and avid travel planner!