Your Kid Is Bent!

A few days ago my husband and I were talking about our 3 youngest children and how all of their personalities differ. We were able to pick out specific traits and characteristic the we hope forecast what they may be like as they grow into adulthood. In our quiet time together, we discuss how we can help mold our children into what we as parents would like them to be. A common topic I suppose among most parents. At least that was until I read something that changed my perspective of how I currently view my children.

In the book "Cure for the Common Life: Living In Your Sweet Spot", author Max Lucado cites a quote from Charles Swindoll's book "You and Your Child". It states, "The child is not, in fact, a pliable piece of clay. He has been set; he has been bent. And the parents who want to train their child correctly will discover that bent!" (Swindoll, 1997)

That statement allowed me to realize that my children are already "bent". They may own a piece of my DNA, but they're encrypted with a code that has nothing to do with me.

Let's take for example, Jai Joshi; a dear reader and an accomplished published author. Her biography tells us she was raised by a family of scientist's, but even as a child, she knew she was pre-wired for writing. Not only does she enjoy writing, she lives and breathes it. Writing courses through her veins; it is a part of her physical makeup. To read her work you become effortlessly captured by her words. Her verse consumes you as if you were a character in the storyline.

But what if her parents felt the need to mold her into something else? What if her parents thought they knew what was best for her? What if Jai Joshi didn't follow what she was "bent"for? An exceptional God given talent would be lost forever, and Jai would be condemned with a restless heart.

So the next time your wondering what your child will be when he grows up, take the time to study what your child is really "bent" for. Recognize if you may be inadvertently trying to undo that "bent".

I'll leave you with this quote:

"God gave you an eighteen-year old research project......Childhood tendencies forecast adult abilities. Read them. Discern them. Affirm them. Cheerlead them." (Lucado, 2005)

"Don't see your child as a blank slate awaiting your pen, but as a written book awaiting your study." (Lucado, 2005)


Have an intimate day!

Jennifer

Fun Family Traditions

With the holiday seasons quickly approaching, most of us become so caught up in the hustle & bustle of events that before you know it, they're all over leaving us wondering, "what just happened & did I do anything memorable with my family"?

For years, I myself have been pondering starting a family tradition with my own children and I've only come up with one. I decided that on Mother's Day, I would have a professional photo taken of just me and my children. Sadly, I have yet to do it. That has brought me to this post. This year, I plan on making a concerted effort to start some family traditions of my own, so that my children and grandchildren someday will look back on those moments and cherish them forever. The problem is, I can't think of any!

I also wanted to post this, knowing there are so many culturally diverse readers who can post their family traditions.

I can't think of a more intimate way of bringing families together than starting or having a tradition!

That being said, please share your family traditions; who knows, maybe your tradition will be carried on through others,........

What a great legacy!

Have an intimate day!

Jennifer