Ministries
We are deeply grateful for our teachers and the wisdom they bring from walking alongside our children each day. So, we’re excited to introduce “From the Whiteboard,” a three-part series featuring encouragement, insight, and practical wisdom from one of our very own instructors at Grace Community School.
FROM THE WHITEBOARD
My time in education over the last decade and a half has introduced me to students from all walks of life. From pre-K kiddos to adult learners across public, private, and ministry contexts, I have worked with students who speak different languages, come from different cultures, and experience different struggles. The single factor I consistently observe impacting student’s well-being—apart from their personal relationships with Christ—is how parents and guardians approach their role. I have added to my own parenting toolbelt several ideas from parents and guardians I’ve met along the way.
Part 1: THERE’S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAD AND HARD
Tears are natural but not always negative. Discomfort is inevitable, and spiritual battles are promised (John 16:33, 1 Cor. 10:13, Eph. 6:10-11), but not all hard situations are bad situations. A low grade here and there will not ruin an educational experience. An earned reprimand from a coach will not thwart a whole semester. A missed opportunity to attend a school dance does not mean a child hasn’t lived. These disappointments—while they can certainly prove difficult—are not necessarily detrimental to a child’s wellbeing. These situations can be incredibly fruitful growing experiences, nurturing in kids conviction in a moment of sin, resilience, motivation, or they can offer an opportunity for you and your child to connect on a deeper level. As you empathize with your child in tough seasons, remember that emotions do not always indicate an inherently negative situation.
During those hard times, you don’t need your head bowed, eyes closed, and knees bent to pray for your child. Pray wherever you are, and pray God’s will for your child. Pray for protection, yes, but also for peace in the midst of trials. Pray for friends, but also that your child would be a friend. Pray for happiness, but also for holiness. Pray for an early understanding of the gospel. Pray for an ever-deepening relationship between your child and the Lord. Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:16-18), pray like Jesus (Matt. 6:9- 13), and pray with your child.
The world will throw punches (James 1:2); your child will fall and scrape his or her knees. After you’ve helped your child up, release him or her to the Lord again. Learn to recognize which battles require your intervention, and show your kids how to let God pick them up occasionally. When it’s time for your child to fly, let go, then continue fighting your own spiritual battles.
