Setting the Stage for Your Child’s Future

September 26, 2012 By

I attended a wedding once where the groomsmen wore white and the bridesmaids dressed in black. Not your standard black dresses, but rather floor-length svelte dresses with long black gloves. Every detail of that wedding was breathtaking including the way that the meals were served. The waiters marched through with sparklers on trays held high in the air–evidence that this wedding was something to celebrate.

They set the stage for one of the biggest days of their lives.

A few years ago, my children attended “Avalanche Ranch” at a small church nearby. The Old-West theme was echoed throughout the church, including a store-front prop that someone had made especially for the event complete with a front deck. The woman in charge of decorating was incredibly talented, and this wasn’t her first rodeo. I had the privilege of seeing her work on a few other occasions where each and every time I was blown away by her talent.

I love how she set the stage for that week. The minute that my kids walked in the door I knew that they wanted to be there. I wanted to be there too!

Being a mom who’s in the trenches of raising her children, I think about the various ways that I’m setting the stage for their future. Is my lifestyle a positive reflection of my faith? Do I draw them to Christ?

Knowing that so much of their attitude is a reflection of mine, I have to check and recheck my mood as we move through each day:

  • What is my attitude about rising early?
  • Am I reaching my hand out to the poor?
  • Do I enjoy my role as a homemaker?
  • Is the relationship I have with my husband one to be desired?
  • Do they know that I love them dearly?
  • Do they see my love for God above anything else?

If you don’t know the answer to these questions, ask them! It makes for great conversation and by finding out the way that they view your role as a parent, you may discover areas in which you lack joy.

Consider this:
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” ~ John 13:35, NIV

Loving others means that we will be patient, kind, and humble. Whether we are standing in line at the grocery store, stuck in a long line of traffic or doing dishes at the kitchen sink–our attitude is setting the stage for their future. Choose well.

Blessings,

Darlene Schacht
www.timewarpwife.com

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8 Comments | Filed Under: Parenting, Uncategorized
About Darlene Schacht

Darlene is an ordinary mom, living an extraordinary life, because of who she is through Jesus Christ. As help-meet to her husband Michael, she guides and nurtures their four children, leading them toward a deeper walk of faith. She is a New York Times best-selling author through the book she co-authored with actress Candace Cameron Bure titled, Reshaping it All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness. Her writing has also been published in Thomas Nelson's anthology, Grace Givers, Tyndale Publisher's Soul Food/Life Savors for Women, A Cup of Comfort (Adam's Media), and she has published articles through many magazines. You can find her blogging at Time-Warp Wife where she empowers wives to joyfully serve and on twitter.

  • Julia

    Thank you for a great reminder. I struggle in a couple of these areas (namely patience), and I know if I’m not careful it shows in my attitude. These questions are a practical way for me to stay aware. Thanks for sharing.

  • http://www.domesticblissdiaries.com/ Domestic Bliss Diaries

    Never thought of it this way, but how true!! We are setting the stage for our children’s future. Thank you for reminding me, once again, about the overall purpose.

  • Leslie Williams

    So that stung a little! Thank you for forcing me to examine my attitude about my role as a mother and wife. Right now, it just seems boring and mundane though!!

  • http://twitter.com/CampClem Gina Cleminson

    awesome! love this! great heart & great reminders!

  • http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/ Darlene Schacht

    Thanks for your fellowship ladies, I appreciate your encouragement! May we press on in faith as we raise these children for the glory of God.

  • Jennie

    Some tough questions that need to be answered honestly. Children will model the behavior and actions they see in us, as moms, wives, etc. I need to be sure I really want them acting the way I do!

  • http://kcbutlersatimetolaugh.blogspot.com/ Dana Butler

    Super profound and true!! Loved this post… and love how God’s already put within us “everything we need for life and godliness…” This includes the ability to tap into JOY even in the mundane. :) Thank you so much for this reminder!!

  • http://thechuppies.com/ Kara @ The Chuppies

    So convicting and so good Darlene…thank you!
    I especially appreciate the nudge to check and recheck…throughout the day and the fact that it’s not always just about my interaction directly with the kiddos…they are also taking in the way I treat the neighbors, their teacher, the person driving the car in front of us…etc.