Hey, folks – Pastor Bill here with some thoughts on “Pandemic Parenting”. I know that sounds a little ominous, but I enjoy alliteration, so I’m going to run with it.
So, here are a few “P’s” to help you during this time:
PERSPECTIVE – try to remember what it says in Roman’s 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
All things would include this current situation. Try to find the good in it. This unexpected time that you have with your kids may be challenging occasionally, but it’s really a blessing. I’ve never heard someone my age say “I wish I’d spent less time with my kids”. Embrace this gift.
And spend some time focusing on your:
PURPOSE -- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says -- 6 “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
That’s your purpose –it’s your God-given responsibility as a parent. Use this time to build into your child’s spiritual growth.
Your child’s spiritual education is meant to be an all day, every day, process. And you’ve been blessed with extra time, and a situation that lends itself easily to spiritual conversations. Use it!
I know that you’re also having to manage their other education needs – you’re “homeschooling” for perhaps the first time. That’s why you’re going to need another “P” word:
PATIENCE – Ephesians 4:2 we’re told to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Times such as these call for an extra measure of patience – patience we can’t manufacture on our own. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit – not a trick, gimmick or skill – so we all need to stay in God’s word, persist in prayer and worship and seek the filling of the Holy Spirit. He can give us patience and love in even the most trying times.
So when you’re trying to help your son or daughter with the new math that you don’t understand either, take a deep breath, say a silent prayer and trust the Spirit to give you the patience you need. And use the many, many online helps at your disposal! Then, think about:
POSTERITY—How will history view this time in the life of your family? Will it be remembered as a time of pulling together as a family? A time of trusting and relying on God? A time when the kids had their favorite teacher ever? What stories will they tell your grandchildren and great-
on your heart.
sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” That’s your purpose – it’s your God-given responsibility as a parent. Use this time to build into your child’s spiritual growth.
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you
grandchildren about this chapter in their lives? With God’s help you can write a great story for those future generations – a story worth remembering and retelling.
Psalm 77:11 says – “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”
Spend this time creating new memories of God’s deeds. His goodness, His provision, His protection, His love, His peace, His comfort, His sovereignty – this list goes on and on.
In summary: Let God put this situation into perspective for you. Remember your purpose as a parent and put this time to good use. Don’t flesh it out; turn to God for the patience you’ll need. And think about posterity – what awesome story is God writing for your family right now?
Actions Steps:
In light of Romans 8:28, take 5 minutes today to make a list of the GOOD that is coming from this situation.
Write down 5 things you hope to teach your children/family about God during your time at home.
Memorize Ephesians 4:2 so you can recite this by memory when you find yourself becoming impatient.
Have everyone write a short story at the end of each week describing a memory they created that week that they don’t want to forget!