What Do Your Kids Think Is “Normal?”

Behind every adult is a childhood.  And that childhood, for good or for bad, plays a large part in every person’s definition of what is “normal.”

Mommas, this means that we are “Definition Shapers!”  We have the monumental opportunity to aid in crafting a “normal” that our children will carry with them all of their lives.

What your family does or doesn’t do is what your child will think is the way things should be done.

Huge responsibility.  Huge opportunity.  Huge gift.

Take heart, mommas…the work that the Lord begins in our children He will carry on to completion!  (Phil.1:6).  And so often, the work that the Lord does in our children begins with a mommy and daddy who make loving God normal.

It’s important that we give thought to what kind of “normal” we are creating for our children.  For every decision, every reaction, every tradition we make serves to reinforce what our children perceive as standard.

Will your kids think it is normal…

• to see daddy and mommy be openly affectionate?
• to pray together?  Earnestly and often and for others?
• to live in a home where visitors and neighbors are always welcome?
• to go without when needed?
• to hear the gospel be shared naturally and often with anyone who enters their home?
• to receive hugs and kisses incessantly?
• to want to be together?  All the time?
• to be perfectly secure in their parent’s love for Christ, for each other, and for them?
• to hear the words “Will you forgive me?” come out of the mouths of parents and children alike?
• to hear the Word of God spoken, sung, prayed, and taught often and with delight?
• to feel the freedom to ask anything at anytime?
• to fail without fear of rejection?

I think about this quote all the time.  My buddy John Piper brought it to my attention several years ago:

“Only one life,
“Twill soon be past.
Only what’s done for Christ
will last.”
– C.T. Studd

Only the foundation that is built upon the Rock will withstand the fire.

What kind of foundation will your children carry with them into adulthood?

Lauren Souers

Hi, my name is Lauren. I am the wife of one fine man and the momma of four (huge) young children – three boys and one princess! I love all of them. I mostly clean up messes and feed people all day, and it’s really fun to write about it. Jesus is the rock of my family – we love and serve a mighty King! I hope you leave here full of hope that “tired” can be good.