A Second Helping of Simplicity

When was the last time you were outside with your child and marveled at some aspect of God’s creation? I realize we have had a cold snap lately, but how about bundling up, fixing some hot chocolate and enjoy sipping the warmth of the beverage outside on the deck or porch?!  An added pleasure could be talking about your God-given senses: see, smell, and taste, hear, and touch as you give thanks to God for his creation and for the ability He gives us to enjoy it!  By doing this, you are slowing down and modeling for your children how to enjoy the simplicity of a warm beverage on a cold day. Throw in a game of “I Spy” or “I See Something”!Last week's Mentoring Moment ended with the question, "Are you proactively parenting and offering yourself a serving of simplicity as you make lifestyle choices for yourself and your children?"  Today I would like to share a tool that could help you do just that.  As your children move into elementary age, there will be the pull to become involved in activities.  I like the idea of using a decision tree when enrolling your child in an activity. This idea comes from Tedd Tripp in his book, Instructing a Child’s Heart.  He charges parents to consider the following, and I agree:

• Cost
• Commitment required
• Does the activity conflict with things of higher importance – family time or meals, worship at church or family worship at home
• How will this impact the rest of the family?
• Do the benefits outweigh the cost?
• What is the worldview of the instructor? Will the coach or instructor direct your child’s heart toward the Lord? Or, will you be doing a lot of un-teaching?

As you begin to make choices for your children, think carefully and pray earnestly.  No doubt, these exposures can offer blessings for your children.  And just as I have often said about Christ-centered education, “Jesus is not the icing on the cake; He is the cake.” I’ll also say about extra activities - keep your worldview in clear focus and allow the decision tree to assist with clarity and priority.[embed]https://youtu.be/oU0Q0_eMdOg[/embed]