Change The Story

Parenthood:

The on call, 24/7 job from which you never retire.

It's amazing the potential that kids and youth have these days. So much so, that even in watching and hearing some of their stories, makes me wonder what I've been doing all these years! As if a couple too many have been somewhat wasted. It's not that I'm not grateful for what's transpired; the people I've shared my time with and the outcomes that have brought me thus far. But some days, "what if" looms large.

Take for instance, the story of Edison, which I was reminded of earlier today.

One day, his grade school sent home a note. His mother teared up, as he asked her to read it. She replied, that it stated that he was a genius. The school was too small to serve him well and she should teach him at home. Obviously the rest is history.

But is it? Years later, Edison found the note from that school. And as I mentioned a few days, it turns out parents lie to their kids for conversations they aren't ready to have after all. Fortunately, for the genius Edison, it paid off. The note actually stated that Edison as addled. The school was unable to teach him and they instructed he not return to class.

Wow.

We're in a day and age when "everyone" is seemingly concerned about the messages we are sending to our kids. And yet for all the concern, the messages are consistently inconsistent. And there is no greater reminder of that truth than a few day engaged in the laughter and stress of parenthood. And a few more after that, engaged in ministry.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would be among those who would deliver consistent messages. Consistent with the truth of God's Word. Consistent with the mission and values of their local church community. Pray they partner with parents who are working to raise kids who fear and honor God with their lives and in their homes. May God work the miraculous in the lives of those who are in difficult places; where they may be at a crux intersection, like Edison's mom stood one afternoon.

While they enemy has already tried to ruin the child,
Christ bids them to come.
For the glory of God.

- PNC