Some of the most important things in life cannot be bought, like time and love. If you want to measure the quality of life, measure the quality and depth of relationships. One of the most treasured relationships is parent and child. Both parents and kids desire transparent, loving relationships. In a world saturated with more distractions and electronic devices, we are faced with bigger challenges than ever to maintain flourishing relationships. Somebody once said, Love is spelled..TIME!
The following acronym might be helpful for a deeper relationship between parent and child:
T.I.M.E.
T–IME together on purpose!
If we truly desire healthy, loving relationships with our kids then we must have some quality time together.
(koinonia-“the shared life”)
Time together on purpose means that both parent and child want to be together and have the freedom to share life! This time together can have many forms but the function is to share quality time together and create lasting memories!
Quality time together should be flexible and fun. Too often quality time can feel forced and so planned out that sometimes it robs the joy of just simply being together and listening to each other. The Bible tells us “to make the most of our time” and when we invest our time in our kids we can experience some of the greatest joy in our lives!
I-NVEST in the desires of their heart. To do this we must actually know our kids’ Hearts. Another way to say this is Instilling belief. Drop by drop, let your child know you believe in them. This is one of the most powerful things a parent can do especially if it is genuine and consistent. When a child is supported with genuine belief from the parent, deeper relationships and character development can grow. Remember, good relationships with parent and child take time! Jesus describes love in 1st Corinthians 13 first with the adjective patient! Deep relationships take time and lots of love, so be patient!
M-AKE sure you enjoy the simplest things together like: laughing, playing, singing, watching the beauty of creation, being grateful, re-telling embarrassing memories, sitting down for iced tea, going on spontaneous trips, writing silly cards and notes to each other, etc…
So much of life we make too complicated and stressful. We need to practice de-stressing together and not regurgitating our negative chaotic day! This life is too short for that!
Rejoice and again I say rejoice!
E-NTER each other’s world with Grace because healthy relationships are not all about you! When your kid says, “come here and try this” go and try it! When your dad says, “hey let’s go fishing or something” go fishing or something with him!
We all can get so stuck in our routines that we forget to experience other activities or other ways to do things. Entering into each others worlds can help our relationships grow because it says out loud, I heard you, I respect you, I love you enough to do this even though it may not be our favorite thing. Enter into one another’s worlds and adventure out, stretch your brain and your routine, so your routine doesn’t enslave you.
The Lord seems to have brilliantly put different personalities(our kids) in our lives to help us grow and be more understanding and forgiving.
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your TIME, because the days are evil.”
Shalom
Brad Hering
So much of our life we base on how we feel and what’s in it for me. But our truest calling is from the One who set us free. He is the One that gives us a special assignment each and every day. A special assignment from the Creator of the universe. Wow!… marching orders from the King of Kings!
Don’t miss His gracious invitation of Love and freedom this Christmas.
