Do your children know what you like about them? I was challenged by that question when my kids were young. I was confident they knew I loved them, but I wasn’t sure they knew I liked them. So much of my interaction with them revolved around instructing, training and discipline that I rarely took time to stop and enjoy the little boy and girl God created them to be.

I began asking the Lord to help me see the unique qualities and gifts He wove into my children as well as the wisdom to nurture and cultivate them. I was humbled to discover I had created an image of my kids based on what I expected them to be, not who God created them to be. I’m sure you’ve met mom’s who live their lives through their kids; driving them to succeed, be popular, do well in school, excel in sports,… I was much more subtle than “those” moms, but my sense of worth was just as dangerously linked to my kids. It’s very hard to make good parenting choices when your own self-esteem is on the line.

I became a student of my kids and I loved what I saw! I discovered amazing creativity and wit. I found a tender heart and a passion for those less fortunate. I uncovered an imagination that inspires as well as entertains. Learning how my kids approach the world has helped me prepare them to live in it. Brad and I expect our children to work hard as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23) but what that “looks” like for each of them is different.

It does take time and effort, but helping your children discover their God given potential is worth every minute!

You may be wondering how the title “Give Me S’more” fits with this blog. I encourage you to go to  dg4kids.com and click on the “Because God is…” calendar. Click on the Family Activity (“Give Me S’more!”) for tomorrow night. It provides a fun opportunity for you to communicate what you like about your kids and how God has made them special and unique. Let me know how it goes!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us so long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT