Dear Parents,
We have officially entered into the fall season. While things may not change much around here in Miami, the leaves up north are turning every shade of red and golden hue you could imagine. When we lived in northern Virginia, our family would take an annual drive up to the Shenandoah Parkway simply to see the fantastic array of colors unfold before our eyes. There is nothing quite so beautiful this time of year. It’s as if God decided to make the forest his canvas and began to wildly paint every tree in sight. Next week, I am going to have the opportunity to visit my sons for their fall break and re-visit some of these lovely places that we frequented so many years ago, before the season changes, before the leaves fall, and the winter storms begin.
As I was reflecting back on those times when they were preschoolers, much like your own, I remembered being rushed, constantly tired, and feeling at times that I just couldn’t get up to face another day (Ever feel that way?). Raising 3 boys under the age of 4 at the time, was quite the challenge. However, my heart was that they would always remember the beauty of God and apply the teachings of God to their lives. For I knew that if they did, they would be strong and able to withstand the storms of life, regardless of the seasons. Now that they have grown into solid young men, people often ask me, how did you do it? As much as I would like, I cannot take the credit for raising three godly men, that accolade can only go to my father- God Himself.
You must understand that I was not raised in a godly home, and the examples that I would have followed, based on my upbringing, would not have been good. Fortunately for me and my boys, God had another plan. When God reached down and saved my soul, He also put me onto a new path in this life, and all I needed to do was to discipline myself to stay on it. I decided at a very young age, that God’s ways were definitely better than the road my earthly parents’ were traveling. I determined to absorb as much as I could from my heavenly father, my pastors and teachers at church, and my godly husband, in order to acquire new skills that would allow me to better educate my children, so that they would not have to stumble upon the potholes of life without proper guidance. No, I was far from perfect. I learned, along with them, how to follow my Lord and make good choices that would lead us to an abundant life. As I grew, my boys grew. And while we all made mistakes along the way, God was always there, ready and willing to show us a “more excellent” way, if we would but obey and follow in His footsteps.
The greatest source of wisdom that I found on my journey to be helpful for both myself and in raising my children, was the book of Proverbs. The following summary found in Proverbs 22:17-19, clearly shows you why:
“Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you!”
If God is who He says He is, and has given us His written Word that Jesus Himself referred to while He was on this earth, does it not make sense that we should study it, educate ourselves, and apply it to our lives so that we can learn to trust God and teach our children to do the same? Moms and Dads, you can’t go wrong here! Believe me, these words of wisdom have withstood the test of time. They were written during the 10th century BC, over 3 thousand years ago!
When the media and parents throw their hands up and exclaim, “ Where have we gone wrong with our young people today?” These people have only to blame themselves. For when parents refuse to learn from the wisdom passed down through the ages, they can in no wise teach it to their children. I challenge you to begin to read a chapter, a verse, or any part of the Proverbs each day. Even if you only choose one principle to live by each week this month, you would be far ahead of the average person. Then, when you have them “ready on your lips”, you will instinctively begin to share them with your children, and teach them as it applies to their lives as well.
If you need some help, check out this new blog site weekly, as I will share with parents major principles from the book of Proverbs that should be drilled into the life of every adult and child. I will post one new principle each week and welcome your feedback and/or questions that you may have regarding the challenge of educating your child in the "love and admonition of our Lord". After being in ministry for 30 years and having raised three sons of my own, God has taught me so much, and it is my sincere desire to continue to pass on His Word that we might, together, win the next generation for HIm, as is noted in Psalm 75. These principles cannot simply be taught by well meaning adults, but must be caught by our children through the living examples of godly parents, teachers, and counselors everyday. Children learn through repetition and consistency in their lives. The question is, are we providing that for them with a biblically integrated lifestyle? Be honest, examine yourself first, for you are and will always be your child's most influential teacher.
May God bless you and your family this week as you seek to know Him better!
In His Service and Yours,
Estelle C. Myers, MRE
School Administrator
