Spiritual Parenting

 

This past week we were asked to share our thoughts 

about Spiritual Parenting with Sara's MOPS group. 

I had tossed the notes in the trash and then decided 

 that if I shared them here-I could find them again.

1.  Keep an Eternal vs Now Perspective.

Focus on ONLY now outcomes lead to an energy drain

Focus on eternal gives purpose to frustrating moments 

Parenting is a marathon not a sprint

Important to frame BEING vs DOING in Christian formation 

2. Always Practice Forgiveness

Model the language of the cross from parent to child

Be ready to confess and ask for forgiveness from your child

Let siblings practice forgiveness among themselves and allow                  them to be in charge of their relationship 

3. Story Telling Conversations Shape Disciples

Fine the time that works for your family- at the table, in the car

Family meetings give opportunities for all to have a voice,   

and a safe place to ask questions

A continually updated family covenant identifies values

4. Sticky Faith is Resilient through Struggles

It is important for children to understand spiritual warfare                and they are on the Victory Team

A Family Mission Statement is a valuable tool.

Celebrate Faith Milestones often.

 

5. God's Meta-narrative-BIG STORY- Gives a Kingdom Perspective.

Create memory chips by intentional repetition with music, 

worship and prayer

Kairos- the highly and lows of our stories serve as God's construction zone

Visual Faith tools can complement spiritual disciplines.

6.  Live Eucharisteo with Joy and Thanksgiving

Have fun and laugh a lot- it is contagious

Children are often the bringers of JOY

Find purpose in serving others together

• 

7. You'll Always be a Parent

• You always have permission to ask: "How is the Holy Sprit working in your life these days?"
• Affirm to your adult child that God's story is in their story
• Heaven is our ultimate family reunion- plan for it.

We made many mistakes as parents, (still do). But, God can bless mistakes and make good things come out of them. John and I were both blessed with parents that gave us a great framework for lives lived out intentionally in Christian faith. We look forward to all the things yet to learn about spiritual parenting. We look forward to learning from our adult children and the days to encouragement them in this important life work. Their MOST IMPORTANT life work.

(margins and alignment, font size  have been a challenge here and can't figure it out- what I see here does not get published)