Commentary by Michael VandenBerg
It’s back to school time in Indianapolis area and parents all over are busy getting ready to send their children back to school to learn all the things they will need to get good jobs, raise great families and contribute to their communities. We expect a lot from our schools and teachers, but one of the greatest sources of education is much closer to home. YOU…. their parent.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” No one spends more time with your children than you do. They watch every move you make, every decision that moves you and every word that comes from your mouth they almost memorize, even the ones that you wish you hadn’t said.
Schools can teach our children many marvelous things about the world; science, math, language, art, etc., but what you can teach your children is values, character, integrity, hope and perhaps the greatest thing of all… love.
Do you love your child; love them so much that you are willing to sacrifice your own natural first responses for the benefit of your children. Are you willing to tell them and show them your love daily, multiple times, even when you are tired and have had a long day and they are asking a question for the 10th time?
One young single mom, raising her son on her own is doing all of this and more. Her son has special challenges and therefore takes special attention and lots of time. She shows him her love every day and every moment of every day just in the things she does. She has taken lesser paying jobs just have the flexibility to meet her son’s challenges, she has spent countless hours with teachers, pastors, social workers, and tutors to be her sons advocate and guardian. But most of all she loves him in unconditional ways that speaks volumes to him of her ever present love.
I fully believe this child with many challenges, will grow to be productive, loving, responsive, caring and hopeful, all because he was shown love, hope, peace, patience and faith in all times, especially in the difficult ones. She is following Jesus’, who emptied himself of his needs, wants and rights as God, just to love for us. (Philippians 2:5-7) This supermom does the same. Oh, and she is also a school teacher, so can you imagine how she loves her other students?
This year, as you send your children off to school know that the most important item you send with them is not an item at all, but your very visible love and support.
