Praying for Your Child’s Heart this Valentines Day…

 

 

“A heart-based approach to parenting isn’t easy, but it’s where the significant work is done in a child’s life.”

Dr. Scott Turansky & Joanne Miller, RN, BSN

 

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Matthew 5:8

 

 

As Valentines Day looms ever closer, spouses are scrambling to find thoughtful gifts for one another, major retail outlets are churning out unbelievable amounts of chocolate and roses, and it’s difficult to buy so much as a tank of gas without finding cute little heart decorations adorning every imaginable surface. None of this is bad, but as our families are drowning in hearts this week, it might be a good time to ask yourself this question:

When was the last time I prayed for my child’s heart?

Parenting is, hands-down, the most difficult job in the world. It can be lonely work at times, as we pour every ounce of our energy into shaping and discipling our children, only to have them stubbornly hold on to sinful habits. The entire world seems to be watching, and everyone seems to assume that they could do a better job. As parents, we desperately want someone to talk to about our fears and frustrations, but often worry that opening up to someone will just end up in another lecture.

I think it’s time we talked to God about our children’s sinful hearts.

 

 

 

Behaving Badly – A Matter of the Heart

According to Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, authors of The Christian Parenting Handbook, using negative consequences and positive rewards to modify a child’s behavior will do nothing to help them in the long run. It will simply change their actions – temporarily. If we want to set our children up for lifelong success, then we must take time to mold their hearts.

Turansky and Miller suggest making a list of all your child’s negative behaviors and asking yourself, “Where are the common threads? What character traits does my child need help with?” Then they suggest that parents find creative ways to help their children develop these traits.

Right now, my three-year-old son is struggling with anger issues. As his father, I would be devastated if he walked through the rest of his life with an angry heart. My job, then, is to find as many creative ways as I can to teach him how good it feels to treat others with kindness and love. (Any ideas, by the way?)

Of course, we can push our kids in the right direction all day long, but at the end of the day there’s only One with the ability to actually change their hearts. We need God’s help with this.

 

 

 

Offering Our Child’s Heart to God

Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” This is a great reminder that God has the ability to give our children a clean heart and a right spirit. And just imagine what an impact that would have on their daily behavior!

Parents – you’re not alone in the “Worried Hearts Club.” We all struggle with how to develop strong character in our children, and we all face the consequences that result from the spiritual war that is constantly raging for our children’s hearts. As an adoptive parent, this daily battle seems even more apparent, because my wife and I are working with wounded hearts. But no matter your situation, the truth is plain – each of us need to wake up daily and pray fervently for our children’s hearts!

 

 

 

Cute Symbol = Call to Pray

As you brace yourself for Valentines Day Madness this week, try looking at those countless heart-shaped decorations as more than a medieval symbol of romantic love. Each time you see a heart, let it serve as a reminder for you to stop and pray for the hearts of your children.

Do I still worry over the condition of my child’s heart? You bet. But at least I know that I’m not walking into the “open-heart surgery” that we call parenting alone.

 

 

 

“It’s never too late to influence your children. Keep praying, and enjoy the hope God gives to us all. He’s in the business of changing people.”

Dr. Scott Turansky & Joanne Miller, RN, BSN

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