Training up a Child

Ahhhh.... school is nearly over. We have 3 more days and then summer break. Today our oldest is preforming in the school chorus. She even has a solo! I am very excited for her. Even if she is nervous. This is her first solo performance. She's going to get used to it quick though because in a week or two she has a large part in the church musical too. Then she is in drama camp this year and will be preforming in several nights of the School House Rocks Junior production that our community theatre is doing.

My youngest daughter was on her way towards the All-Star team for softball but I believe that that has come to an end. She sprained her ankle pretty bad Monday night. But we know there is always next year and she should be healed in time for Cheerleading and Basketball this fall and winter.

Don't get me wrong, I am not bragging about the abilities of my children, I am sharing something I "re-learned". See, a few years ago I was studying Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

At first reading or first glance most people think, 'okay, as long as I raise my child in church and around God we got it made.' I don't agree with that. I think that yes, we do need to raise our children in church and where they see God working through us, their parents. I also think that we should guide our children in a way in which they will be productive in society. See, my oldest daughter is not athleticly inclined, but she has a beautiful singing voice. She also like to act, so we are getting her involved in the children's choir at church (this is her last year) and also in the community theatre productions this summer. Our youngest daughter does not enjoy singing, but she loves playing softball and basketball and cheering. So we are doing that for her as our resources allow.

What we are doing with our kids is pointing them in the directions best suited for their abilities. Yes for all 6 of our children God is tops. He is on the top of the list of things to learn about and take to heart. Number 2 is academics, we expect the kids to do their best and to care about doing their best. From there on the rest of the lists are different. The kids that have artistic ability will be nudged in that direction, sports will be nudged there. WE never force the kids to do something they don't want to but we do try to get them to just try it.

So far we are doing pretty good about it and for two of the kids we have found things they are truly interested in.