How To Raise Your Children.....
Posted by Ashley Duiker , Tuesday, November 15, 2011 9:29 AM
Some events and information that I have obtained in recent days has left me asking questions. Henry and I have talked a lot in the evenings after Zoey is tucked away to bed. I've been asking, 'How hard do you get to push your children to believe and do what you want?'
We try our best to teach our children to make good choices. We start with their behavior, then the food choices, activities, friends, etc. Henry and I pray every night that Zoey's future includes a faithful and close relationship with our God. We pray that He keeps her safe and healthy and that most of all He would draw her near and help us to guide her in that direction.
I don't think that I want her to necessarily believe everything that we believe, although some day's it seems that it would be nice! I've been communicating with a dear friend and expressing some of my concerns and personal beliefs about a situation and it's left me wondering how to do that for our children. If they make life decisions that we disagree with, how much do we get to push to make or encourage a different choice? Or do we say our peace and love them and make sure they know we are always there for them? Henry is steadfast in the belief that while we may not always like or agree with the decisions our children make (who does?), God will be a guiding force for them.
Already when Zoey goes to bed and when we sit down to eat, we tell her 'Time to Pray Zoey' and she gleefully claps her hands together or reaches to hold our hands while we pray. I know that it's a routine for now, but I am praying that these small moments and moments for her will be pieces that lead her to big and amazing things.
God has his loving hand over Zoey and I pray and believe that someday she will look up and love Him back.
I have so few answers in life, but of that I am sure.
