In chapter 3, Barna discusses going against the social norms when it comes to parenting. GT and I talk about this often. How does our parenting look different then the majority of the world? What are teaching/doing/ro-modeling that reflects Christ and not just what society deems acceptable or "good" parenting?
I am a firm believer that the few years before our children enter into formal education are the most important. I dont want to do things a certain way just because thats what my parents did, thats what my friend does, that what society does, thats what this article said to do, thats what my pastor said to do, etc... Those are all GREAT resources to learn from and to gather information, but I want to do what Jesus tells me to do. How do I know what He tells me to do? The Bible! His word has all the answers. And when it doesnt seem black and white, I have prayer and the Holy Spirit to guide us as a family into the will of God.
One of the sections in chapter 3 is "God Wins First Place". To me, that says it all. God is first place in all of our decisions. One of the statistics found in Chapter 3 states, "Nationwide, fewer than one out of every ten born-again families read the Bible together during a typical week or pray together during a typical week, excluding meal times." This breaks my heart. It convicted me. GT does a devotion with Audrie every night and we pray often, but we werent reading the Bible as a family unit.
So we started to. Sunday night we have family worship time. Right now, this is what it looks like for us: I put a blanket on the living room floor, we all sit on it (criss cross applesauce style). We each pick a favorite song (about Jesus of course) and take turns singing. Then we do a faith talk (which include scripture) provided by our church. You can find those here. We pray then play. So less than 10 minutes right now because Audrie is 2. During the week, GT and I try to find ways to bring the topic up again. I ask Audrie all the time, how many Gods are there? She replies 1, I ask her what does that make God? She says special and so on... For us, we had to have a set time to be intentional on reading Gods word as a family.
I know that it isnt a one-size fits all kind of deal. I am sure family worship time will look different in years to come. This is where we are right now. I encourage you to find some time in your week for your family to come together and read Gods word and pray together.
2 comments:
I really want to read this book. Great post and reminder that Jesus gives us all we need to parent. I just need to turn to Him and not the world for guidance.
Love the family worship time! We read a Bible story from Landon's toddler Bible every day at breakfast, and I cherish that time. We may have to incorporate a weekly family worship time as well! I, too, am convicted that our parenting style should not just reflect what society/church/family says is important but what God says. Keep it up, Momma!
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