Parental Guidance: Your Tag Line

     I smiled at the stop light this morning watching Greg eat his “to go” breakfast.  Sometimes Greg enjoys waking early and enjoying a hot breakfast.  Other mornings he is content to take something “portable” that isn’t messy as he drives to work. 

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     As I looked at him this morning, I couldn’t help but think of a teenaged Jesus.  I can imagine Him, running out the door to help his adoptive dad in the workshop and his mother handing him a roll.  I imagined the teenaged Jesus, kicking rocks and throwing a hand to wave at a friend across the hill taking a bite of his “to go” breakfast.

      As our children became teenagers and would go with their friends, I always told them two things. First, I would say, “Remember who you are.” Implying they needed not lose sight of their being an Anderson and more importantly that they are children of the Lord. 

     Secondly, I would say, “Return with Honor.” This was to say there would be plenty of choices they will make while they are away from our home. Our desire would be that they would make honorable choices.

     I thought of what Mary and Joseph would say to their son Jesus. He is perfect.  He wouldn’t do anything wrong.  The parental thing to do would be to send him off with words of affirmation or admonishment.  Mary could have called to Jesus with unleavened bread in his hand, “Remember who you are!” followed by “Return with Honor!” 

      And He did. Every time.

      It is important that we impart encouragement to our children.  The encouragement may be said in a way that only our child would understand.  More valuable to our children then our voices are the truths we communicate.

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      My challenge for you is to consider a tag line that you can begin using with your children. The tag line can be a short sentence or phrase that will convey truths and encourage them.

    The next time your child runs out of the house with a snack or a meal.  Before the screen door falls behind them, they’ll hear your words that will help them stay the course.

Proverbs 6: 20

“My son, keep your father’s commands

and do not forsake your mother’s teachings.”