Decide what things matter most in light of eternity.
Most of my guilt comes from “things” I can’t give my children, whether they are time, opportunities, or possessions. It helps to remember what will last beyond today. In the long run, my most important job a parent is to insure my children are protected and loved to the best of my ability … rather than perfectly comfortable.
How can I make sure they have the love and protection they need? The ultimately place of safety and love is placing my children in the arms of my God. Whenever I feel guilty, it helps to think of what will last. Not only for today and tomorrow, but for eternity. Taking our children to church, reading them the Bible, praying together and worship should be our first priority, beyond that everything else we do or give pales in comparison.
It is so hard to find that balance- and it’s so easy to fall into the trap of wanting to buy our kids’ love through things, when all they really want is us.
Thanks for the reminder!
Very good blog, Tricia. I am seeing results in my kids now that they’re on their own. They can’t remember the “things” we bought them, but the values they absorbed in years in the pews have given them a firm foundation.
Always enjoy what you write!
Jenny