Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)
This chapter was all about how we use our words to affirm and build up our children. Many parents (me included) are guilty of not always speaking the best and most fruitful words to our children. I have heard some horrendous things out of the mouths of parents. I may not be perfect, but I've never dreamed of saying some of things I've heard parents say to their kids. Please, parents, if you are reading this and unsure if you're crossing the line with what you say to your kids, consider this "We must allow the patience and kindness of love to guide our tongues and build an atmosphere of powerful encouragement. Our mouths should be nourishing wells of love and truth, not polluted springs of cursing, complaining, and insults." The bible instructs us to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths but instead to build each other up according to each person's needs so that it will benefit them (Ephesians 4:29).
I want my kids to feel like I'm their #1 fan! In my eyes, the good things they do are the coolest thing any kid has ever done in the whole world. Ever. When Jordan plays the flute for me, I am in awe of his talent. When he graduates from one belt color to the next in Tae Kwon Do, I can't wait to see. The fact that he doesn't want to miss a single day of school makes me respect him more than he understands. I do tell him that I think he's a pretty great kid, too. Since my love language is words of affirmation, it's easy for me to tell my kids that I think they're awesome.
Part of the homework is to point out something he does well each day this week, which isn't all that challenging (except to remember to do it every day). The other part was to tell someone else how great he is in earshot of him. Well I can't do that, but I did text him today I told him how proud I am of his flute playing and that I am always bragging to my friends about his talent.
Post by Bryant Hardy.
He's second chair, 1st row on the left side.
My prayer for Jordan today
Lord, I pray that Jordan will always know how wonderful I think he is. Lord, help him to always hear my words of encouragement and forget anything I say that is not helpful to him. Help him to grow into a confident adult, who knows his talents do not go unnoticed. In Jesus' name.
"The more you celebrate in their lives now, the higher you lift their wings, giving you even greater reasons to celebrate in the future. So open your mouth and let your love fly!"
Encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
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