Parenthood

Remember when I told you...

we were invited to our pastor's house?

And then I said I'd share with you some of Anne and Bryant's parenting wisdom?

I've been sitting on this awhile, but now I'm ready. Are you?

Throughout the night, Anne and Bryant bantered back and forth relating experiences, sharing wisdom through scripture and answering our many questions. Their first point of advice came straight from the Bible: 

Love and respect your spouse.

Ephesians 5:33

Bryant made sure to emphasize the difference for the wife and the husband in respect to this command. There is a difference in priority between the wife and husband when it comes to love and respect. The husband cherishes respect from his wife. He relishes in it. It can be as simple as a kind word about how good he is at something to as elaborate to a home-cooked five course meal with the kids tucked away in bed. The point is he craves respect and thrives on it.

A wife on the other hand desires love. Now it's up to the husbands to figure out how his wife knows she's loved. For me, hint hint, it is acts of service. If my husband say, hangs a toilet paper holder and two hooks in my bathroom for me, I will be assured of his undying devotion. If he were to touch up the paint in AE's room, I would know I am loved. If he would help me put together a trampoline for the girls to jump on, I would know I am loved. Get the picture? 

While some wives crave to-do list items to be crossed off, others need only hear the words, "I love you." Others want to be hugged or kissed. Others want a new bracelet or ring. Others would like to spend the day together. I just want stuff done. But we could do it together!

The next point of the night was, according to Anne, "A wife can destroy or build up her husband, real quick." Makes you try to edit what comes out of your mouth, right? Me, too.

Another idea: Children feel more secure in a home where love is evident. How often do my children see me hug my husband? Do they ever hear me say, "I love you!"? Will they learn how to love others if they don't see me showing love to my husband?

And it seems like a no-brainer, but belittling your spouse crushes your child's spirit. And that goes for the in-laws, too. Our children are a part of each of us and our parents, so if we say something negative about our mother-in-law or husband, we are in turn criticizing our children and fostering feelings of doubt in our children. They will doubt our love for them. Our unconditional love for them which they deserve.

Now finally, dedicate your home to the Lord.

Psalm 127:1-3

From The Message:

If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. 
   If God doesn't guard the city, 
      the night watchman might as well nap. 
   It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, 
      and work your worried fingers to the bone. 
   Don't you know he enjoys 
      giving rest to those he loves? 

  Don't you see that children are God's best gift? 
      the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? 
   Like a warrior's fistful of arrows 
      are the children of a vigorous youth. 
   Oh, how blessed are you parents, 
      with your quivers full of children! 
   Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; 
      you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.