It can be difficult being a child growing up in today’s world. Parents attention is being sought by so many things—jobs, cooking meals, home maintenance, family gatherings, and recreation. Children are being bombarded by schoolwork, social media, extracurricular activities, and friends.
Today’s children are growing up in an extremely fast-paced world. They are constantly on the go. Their brains are constantly active, if not their bodies. When that is coupled with their parents constantly being on the go, the children are left wanting—wanting love and recognition.
When Jesus was baptized, there were several things in play simultaneously. He had chosen to obey God. The Holy Spirit descended on Him. God the Father recognized Him before the witnesses observing His baptism by stating He was God’s Son, that He was his beloved, and that he was well pleased with Him. It was a simple act, yet very profound.
Jesus set the example of obedience. But God the Father set the example of being a good parent. Recognizing our children for choosing the do the right thing is important. Praising them for doing so is important. Telling your children you are proud of their choices can be life altering. And most important of all, letting your children know they are loved is required of a good parent.
As parents, we must start doing these things at a very early age, as early as when the child is one year old. We cannot stop doing it, even when we are in our eighties and they are in their fifties or sixties. For a child, no matter their age, continues to seek parental approval and affection. We can follow the example of the Father recognizing and approving the Son.
I pray we all choose to follow the example of the Father. I pray we choose to be good parents. I pray each one of us will praise our children’s good decisions and let them know we love them. Follow God’s example. Be a good parent. Praise your children. Let your children know you love them.
Matthew 3:17 And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Marty Pressey 