I am writing this letter to my children. Perhaps your children might benefit too.
Dear Children,
As your parents, we want you to know that we really do understand.
Your father and I have been in your shoes before. We grew up in different homes and under different circumstances. Those differences in our raising helps us to better know what challenges you face today and in the future.
God expects you to honor and obey us even though we are not perfect. Learn from our mistakes. Be respectful even when… especially when you disagree with us.
Not all children have godly parents. They need good examples to watch how a family should be. You may one day be a mentor that a child will look up to. Set a good example of love and respect. You never know who is watching your life and wanting to be like you.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
– Ephesians 6:1-3 KJV
The Bible says to honor your parents. Give us the respect God intended you to give.
Listen to the wisdom from our years of experience. Listen as we share what God has given us to share.
Be obedient children. If you obey, life will go much better for you. You will be learning from us and will not have to make the same mistakes we have made.
You will one day soon be embarking on your own life and adventures. Soon it will be up to you to make your own decisions. You will not be able to blame your father and I for what choices you will make. It will ultimately be up to you what you do with the rest of your life.
It is hard on us as parents to see you feel bad. When you realize you are weak in an area, we have trouble pointing out what you need to work on. We want you to know right now, we love you and only want you to be the best you can be. You should strive for your highest potential.
It is okay to feel bad about the things you do wrong. We don’t always have to feel good about ourselves. We need to feel guilty at times. How else will we know we need help if we never allow ourselves to feel how terrible our mistakes are?
God can give us the ultimate help and greatest relief from our pain. If we never feel bad, we will never strive to be better. We all need to do better.
This does not mean to drag yourself in the dirt and be depressed. No. I’m saying to realize your weaknesses. Make the necessary improvements. If you do, you will be a stronger and wiser person.
There is a place for humility. It is very easy to be proud of ourselves and of our accomplishments. It is a difficult thing to remain humble. People appreciate a humble spirit.
Be willing to put others before yourself. Be slow to brag on your own accomplishments. Be quick to praise other’s accomplishments. That is what it means to be humble. It is okay to realize you are doing well. No matter how old you are I will always love you to call me to tell me everything that you have done. I am and always will be proud of you.
Treat people the way you would want to be treated, even if they do not treat you the same way in return.
God knows your heart. Pray to him. Tell Him your regrets and fears. He is always there to listen and help.
Always remember that God loves you. He will always be there for you even if your father and I can’t. God is always ready and waiting for you to call on Him. Just as I say that I’m just a phone call away. God is even closer. He is just a prayer away. You don’t have to get your phone out and dial a number for Him. All you have to do is speak and He is right there with you to listen and help.
I have so much more to teach you. I’m very thankful that God gave you to me. I am very proud of you. I love you!
Love,
Mommy
If you could write a letter to your children or grandchildren what would you write? If you have a blog consider writing a letter to your own children. If you do please share the link with us in the comments. I would love to read what you have to say.
This is Day 24 of 31 Days Building Commitment. Only 7 days to go in this series. If you want to see a basic outline of where this series is going check out my book “Don’t Quit: Build a Legacy of Commitment“.
Tomorrow I will take a break to tell about our Jonathan’s Birthday. Breaks like that won’t count in the series they will simply be added bonuses sprinkled in. 🙂
Thanks for following!
~♥~ Anastacia ~♥~
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A very wise letter, Anastacia, sensitive and loving, encouraging and humbling. I had written letters to my children when younger but also as they got older and even married, stressing many of the same points. I have done it for my grandchildren on different occasions.
Thanks for reminding me to do it again!
Blessings and light, my friend!
Thank you, Katina!
Anastacia Maness recently posted…Dear Children: A Letter from a Mom