Parenting comes with challenges, all kinds of challenges! I've become famous in my house for imparting wisdom to our children by repeating certain phrases, hoping they take root. For my birthday, my daughter even made me a "Mom Quotes" hat, filled with these snippets of advice that I often share. Here are a few of these words of wisdom, along with reflections from a couple of biblical passages.
Choices and Consequences
"Just because someone makes a poor choice, doesn’t mean you need to make a poor choice." This reminder emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. We can't control others' actions, but we can choose how we respond. Upholding integrity and making positive choices, even in the face of others' mistakes, builds strong character and sets a positive example.
Understanding Consequences
"All actions have consequences; consequences can be good, and consequences can be bad." This lesson highlights the importance of thinking ahead. Every decision has an outcome, and it's up to us to consider the potential results of our actions. Aiming to make choices that lead to positive consequences helps us walk through life with wisdom.
Problem Solving
"Be a problem fixer rather than a problem pointer outer." It’s easy to identify problems, but true value lies in finding solutions. By focusing on resolving issues rather than merely pointing them out, we contribute to positive change. This proactive approach helps build a mindset that is creative and helpful. My oldest has creativity down!
Self-Improvement and Judgment
"Speck and Plank, deal with your own imperfections rather than looking for the imperfections in others." This one is drawn from Matthew 7:3-5, which says, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." This teaching reminds us to focus on improving our own faults before judging others. Working on our own flaws helps us grow and equips us to support others more effectively.
Avoiding Hypocrisy
Romans 2:1 adds another layer to this wisdom: "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." Judging others often means overlooking our own faults. Recognizing and addressing our own imperfections draws us closer to God, allows us to be strong witnesses for Him, and helps us develop genuine relationships with others. "Avoid being a judgey judger or others will avoid you."
Personal Reflection
On a personal note, these lessons are as much for me as they are for my children. I’m still learning to deal with my own planks—those sins and imperfections that God wants to remove. It’s easier to point out the specks in others than to work on my own flaws, but that’s not what God has called us to do. Removing those planks requires honest self-evaluation and action. Having friends check in on my progress is also helpful, providing accountability and encouragement. Parenting is a journey, and we need to help each other out.