Great book ...

We're finishing up this book in a group I meet with every other Monday. I can't begin to express how encouraged I am by this group of girls and the woman who leads us. This book has been an incredible read and I highly recommend it to any parent. (I'm dying for Ethan to read it so we can discuss!) It has spurred so many ideas and important issues in parenting. The central theme is that as parents we MUST address the heart issues in our children - not just the behavior. To peel back the layers and see what is really going on. In the end - using every teaching opportunity to point your child toward God.

Tonight, (I found some time to relax!) I was finishing up the book for our next discussion. I loved this excerpt (as well as many others): "You cannot try to build good qualities of character [in your child] without reference to God. Many people conclude that if their child is not a believer, they cannot urge their child to do his/her duty in light of who God is. If you don't call him to be what God has called him to be, you end up giving him a standard of performance that is within the realm of his native abilities apart from grace. ... if you do that you reduce their need for God accordingly."

All of my biggest fears for Claire (her purity, her decision making, her dependability, etc) hinge on the fear that she will not be passionately in love with Christ. In that, I've realized what an amazingly HUGE calling being a parent is. The goal is not raising children who turn out "okay" or who are "functioning members of society." The goal is so much bigger and our calling as parents is so much greater. Which means that although we may be tired and frustrated parents - it's not about us. In marriage we learn that there is no room for selfishness - and there is even less room for selfishness in families.

At the end of the day I find myself thankful. Thankful for God's grace. Thankful that our cup runs over. Thankful for allowing Ethan and I to be a part of His incredible plan for us. Thankful for my beautiful baby girl who God has entrusted me to teach to be a beautiful woman. Thankful for perspective and priorities that will stand against ridicule. Thankful for HOPE, wisdom and encouragement from our community here in Austin. Thankful that at the end of the day Jesus defines our reality - not the world.