we like to keep our kids close... real close & i often wonder/worry about what other people think about that. it could look like we are being controlling or manipulative. it could look like we want to keep them all to ourselves or just don't want other's in their lives. but truthfully... we are obeying this command when we keep them close...
"and these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." deut. 6:6-7
when they are young... this young... they need very clear direction & guidance from mommy & daddy. it would be easy for little ones to get confused with a lot of "teachers". they need to hear direction from one main source & as they grow older mommy & daddy can choose other teachers to be in their lives. yes, they will still have other "teachers" even when they're young... like grandparents & aunts & uncles & mommies & daddies of their friends, but they need to know who ultimately they should listen to.
so i don't need to worry about what other's think, or how it may look. we are being faithful (not always perfect at it & many times failing) to shepherd our little ones in a world of mommies & daddies that just turn them loose & hope them figure things out. i guess i worry about what other's are thinking about how we're parenting because we look very different from those around us... but so is the Christian life.
let us be faithful to teach them well & keep them close. they need us. if we don't teach them what to value... then this world will. oh Father, give us wisdom & consistency by Your grace!
al
4 comments:
i wrestle with these same thoughts. thanks for writing them so clearly, and with encouragement!
good job mama!!! seriously, you would loooove douglas wilson. also, mike and i listened to a teaching the other day on homeschooling that was wonderful too...i should send it to you. LET'S SKYPE SOON!!!
Thanks for sharing this, and your blog! I will enjoy coming back here and exploring when I have more time. Blessings, Anna
I wholeheartedly agree!! If you keep 'em close when they're little they'll want to stay close when they're big! My oldest is now 13 and will often opt to stay up late and watch a movie with his Dad then be out with all of his friends. He knows there's no pressures here, that it's safe and comfortable and that we love being with him and so (often, anyways) it's where he chooses to be! Keep at it! It for sure pays off both in the short and long term :)
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