Our daughter and her husband live in another state.  Recently I received the incredible news that they are expecting their first child!  In the flood of emotions of being “Pops”, my mind drifted back to our years of parenting.

I confess, often times as a parent, I was focused on those things “we need to work on” with our daughter.  The past few weeks I have been reminded of the graciousness and faithfulness of God in the gift of parenthood.

One of the greatest joys of my life is being a Dad.  I am imperfect and in no way have things “figured out.”  But what a privilege it is to continue to influence and shape my daughter and now a grandchild.  Here are a few lasting lessons that I have discovered are important to model to our children and grandchildren.

  1. People Matter.  Regardless of how great we think our children, they still take after Dad & Mom.  I do not have to teach selfishness.  It simply shows up.  People matter to God and they should always matter to us.  (Philippians 2:1-10)
  2. What you do today impacts who you become tomorrow.  Our choices matter.  Even those decisions that seem insignificant or as if no one else would know.  It is vital we guide our children to make wise decisions and then allow them the freedom to make them.  (Proverbs 13:20)
  3. Attitude is a choice.  Often times we cannot choose our circumstances, but we can indeed choose how we respond to them.  Will you accept responsibility or simply blame others?  Will you play the victim, or will you leverage this situation as an opportunity to grow?  (Philippians 4:8-9)
  4. Your heart is everything. Keeping our hearts in purity is vital to becoming the person God desires.  It is so easy to allow our hearts to chase after unhealthy things.  Be careful what and who you give your heart to in life.  (Proverbs 4:23)
  5. God is faithful. He loves to do the impossible!  Regardless of how hopeless and helpless life seems, God is at work and painting a much larger picture than what we can understand at the present time.  (Hebrews 10:23)

What am I missing?  What are some of the lasting lessons you are impressing upon your children (regardless of their age)?

This is an excellent read for parents AND GRANDPARENTS!