The Balancing Act
Watching a ballerina perform is magical and awe-inspiring as her long, lean body moves across the stage. With style, grace and great precision, she executes leaps and twirls that seem effortless. However, the life of a dancer is one of dedication, discipline and balance. Balance is one of the key components of spiritual parenting. Raising spiritual children does not require pointe shoes, but it is truly a balancing act.
Choreography is Everything
Raising spiritual children requires a plan and you, the parent, must be the choreographer. This does not mean that you have all the answers. However, it is important to consider the meaning of faith traditions, rituals (e.g. baptism, confirmation), and spiritual community in your life. Once you have an idea of what will work best for your family, ask around and even visit a few places. Choreographing your family’s spiritual life lays a solid foundation.
Practice Makes Perfect
Newsflash, spiritual parenting does not happen overnight. Therefore, it is important that your spiritual life becomes part of your family’s routine. Attending a place of worship on a regular basis, bedtime prayers and sharing faith/Bible stories all help to integrate spirituality into the lives of children. You will notice growth as they begin to take the lead in these activities. Listen to their stories, ask about their feelings regarding faith, and prepare to be amazed! These practices will not give you perfectly behaved children, but it will give you perfect memories and cherished moments.
Taking the Stage
Children learn through experience. These experiences shape their personality and their understanding of the world. Becoming actively involved in a faith community allows them to interact with other children and develop their own sense of community outside of the home. Give your children the opportunity to take ownership of their journey by participating in pageants, mission projects, choir and other activities. Allowing your children to take the stage within a faith community will build confidence and cultivate many, many gifts.
Encore
The true art of raising spiritual children is taking time to nurture your own spirituality. The way you live your life and model dedication, discipline and balance makes you the encore. Your children are curious by nature and they are always watching. It is good that they see you exercising, meditating, establishing boundaries, praying, singing and loving life. Let your light, let your life shine.
As you journey through parenthood, be kind and show yourself grace. Ballerinas spend years learning their art, and so will you. The Message translation of Ecclesiastes 3:1,13 gives us these words to live by,
There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.
About the Author:The Reverend Theresa Thames-Lynch is the Minister of Children & Families at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, DC. |
