One has to develop a vision for the future in order to put the steps in place to accomplish that goal or vision. Corporations, businesses, schools all seem to understand this concept. In some aspects, so do parents. They choose the best preschools, make sure their child has the best teacher in the best school district, place them on the college prep course with AP classes, and then push them on to the university of their desire - especially the one which provides the coveted degree from a prestigious place. All for education. We could go through the entire scenario and replace it with sports. At least education is predominantly used. Sports are almost worthless or detrimental for over 90% of those children whose lives revolve around rushing to one sport or another. The money spent on sports to develop a scholarship hopeful would have, in many cases, paid for that child's education if it had been saved! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy sports and our kids benefit from aspects of sports....but it's not my long-term vision for my kid. Neither is modeling. . or acting. . .
If only parents would consider mature biblical manhood or womanhood as the long-term vision. Perhaps we would make different decisions if we really want our precious children, by God's grace, to reach maturity in Christ. Men and women are not made over night. Nor does the magic number bring maturity of thinking. They are not developed unto godly men or women by hours of mindless and indiscriminate television/movie watching, video game playing, social networking, peer engagements, shopping frenzies or self-absorption.
A child doesn't gain self-esteem because every kid in the league goes home with a trophy. Self-esteem is attained when maturity and responsibility is honored and admired by those training them. "Good work, son" from a father after a hard task is completed well is better than a hundred stickers or ten trophies that everyone else gets, too.
The Baby Boomers had parents who lived the Great Depression. They grew up working hard and saved each penny. That Baby Boomer generation gave it's children (my generation) every opportunity possible. They limited their families (not due to biblical understanding, but social pressures) in order for their one son and one daughter to take all the classes and receive all the education they needed to be spoiled brats, I mean successful brats. So here's my generation - leading the way into the recession. Unable to save. Living on credit. Spending more at Starbucks yearly then we tithe. Raising another foolish generation absorbed with self and wanting it all - only faster. For example, no more "starter homes." We need the big, fully furnished home right now. Even if both parents have to work long hours for life to "enjoy" it.
Men and women, pastors, missionaries, elders, wives to great men are made by God at the knee of their parents. Parents, who by God's grace, point their children to a great and glorious God. A big God. A powerful God.
A big view of God can only result in a small view of ourselves. A child who sees themselves rightly will see themselves humbly in light of this holy Triune God. Each day God provides many opportunities for us to use our failings to point our children to the hope we have in Christ. Don't lose sight of this vision! All else will fade away. Sports will end. Education/degrees we no longer be necessary.
Godliness is of eternal value.
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