The last segment concluded that almost all of us (parents) desire to see our children achieve a certain level of self sufficiency . We relish their growth physically and the progress they make mentally. Especially when connections are established. None of this is bad, quite the contrary, it is great!
But when our kids start developing beyond our reach then our concerns grow. If they suddenly do not desire our company or feel like they can do it all on their own. Part of us grows resentful at the lock out. We scramble to try and look ahead to warn them of any potential pitfalls; We gain headaches trying to logically understand why they reject our wisdom, advice, companionship, guidance or whatever. What is so puzzling about the fact that we want the BEST for them?
Then it hits us..they are operating in self-sufficiency. They are exercising their right to make choices as they see fit. Despite our protests or warnings they create their own paths. It is in their nature to do so. Rebellion and pride are as much a part of us as the need to succeed apart from our mothers and fathers.
Even though there is no way to measure the fullness of an action or the future consequences hidden in a choice. Still they move forward, sometimes in blatant ignorance; but to them, as it once was to us, progress even backwards is still progress..right? Sure now we know truthfully it is not.
Once I began to take my walk with the Lord seriously, I realized that walking in complete self was not the way to be sufficient at all. It blocks the Lord's will for our lives. Walking in Self, permits us to decide that we know more than God; that we are on the same level with Him; that we know enough in the limited facts we have to make decisions that will alter our lives. Self-sufficiency operates apart from GOD not in concert with Him. That is not what He designed us for. Every human being on the face of the planet has social needs: acceptance, belonging, love etc..We also have an inherit need to know The Lord. He placed it in us.
So reader when you see your kid (s) going south, by all means talk with them, warn them, counsel them and pray for them. Then I invite you to lean into Our Heavenly Father that much more! He loves your company. Your prayers are sweet aromas to Him. Your worship of Him gives Him honor while lifting your soul from it's burdens. Don't allow self-sufficiency to rob you of the fellowship of Christ. Besides what better way to teach your child than by example?
Train up a Child in the Way he should go and when he gets old, he will Not part from it! (Book of Proverbs 22:6)
-sj
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