As a parent, I can anticipate failure before a grade is given or the final score is relayed. The secret to this insight is simple, hard work is often rewarded and laziness is penalized. For me, the most painful aspect of parenting is seeing the potential your child has yet being unable to convince them to do whatever it takes to ensure success.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.
For those of you who coach or teach, this same dilemma exists. How do you express someone’s gifts or talents without trying to live your life through them? In the film Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams plays a psychologist who is introduced to a genius played by Matt Damon with a troubled past. These secret scars, hidden from plain view prevent Will from doing whatever it took to apply his knowledge in a positive manner.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” John 14:15.
Today, the future is bright, but too many young people don’t have the resolve necessary to see their dreams come true. Sure, the average teenager wants to have a great life, but this doesn’t happen with a snap of your finger. Only the disciplined, driven and hungry will begin to see the fruits of their labor. Thus, a parent can encourage, inspire or motivate their offspring. In the end, a parent can only pray that their child develops a zeal to follow God’s will on earth. The key to this fulfillment is doing whatever it takes.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 