Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Turning over a new leaf this summer

 1 Timothy 2:1-4  First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

      I've been hearing a lot of people talk about kids and stress lately. It seems to be everywhere I turn. Anxiety attacks among kids are on the rise. Funny I don't remember any of my friends having anxiety growing up. So how much is too much? And why is this happening?  We as moms juggle many plates but what about our kids plates? They can include school, grades, peers, sports, music, family, friends, and of course we want them to be good Christians so there is church, maybe they volunteer, go to youth groups, etc. When it comes to school they strive for honors and then AP, they have to go to college to do well in life these days and in order to get into college they have to have a competitive GPA and be well rounded. MSNBC just covered a story called "Race to Nowhere" which is a documentary covering these very issues.
 
     When I think back to my childhood and the things I enjoyed most were things like riding my bike around the neighborhood, sitting in my living room on Saturday morning to watch cartoons, and card games with my family. I needed downtime and so do my kids. We as moms need to check our hearts or motives to want our children to produce. If we are all about performance what is driving us? Are we signing up the kids for sports because our friends and neighbors have signed their kids up? Are we trying to keep up with the Jones's? Do we want to make sure our pride is fed with our little genius's or musical prodigies? Maybe the motives are pure? We want to make sure our kids do well get good grades and are well rounded. Don't get me wrong I believe  having an extracurricular activity is important and a great tool for kids but are we overdoing it when what our kids really need is to be home with the family laughing, playing games, and enjoying one another. They need to feel safe and rested. Here's a little game/test you can do with your child. Ask them to fill in the blank. Our family is______. I pray they say fun!

1 John 2:16-17 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
prayer:
Dad,
     Forgive me for jumping into commitments for myself and my family without first asking you. Please help me to evaluate and reevaluate the commitments me and my family have made and make changes where necessary. Help me to take advantage of the time I have with my children to laugh with them and build our relationship. In Jesus holy name,
                                                                                                           Amen

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