Perfectly Imperfect Children

There is a very popular psychologist and bestselling author by the name of Dr. Kevin Leman. Dr. Leman has written a book and videotape series titled Have a New Kid by Friday, in which he provides wonderful tips and easy techniques on changing children’s behavior. In one of his videotapes, Dr. Leman provides an interpretation of Proverbs 22:6 (AMP), “ Train up a child in the way he should go (and in keeping with his individual gift or bent) and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Dr. Leman explains that parents aren’t the ones deciding how a child is to be raised. The way ‘he should go’ is determined by God through the spiritual gifts He has bestowed on the child.

I started thinking about the number of parents that have experienced disappointments by the life choices their children have made. Maybe your child didn’t finish college, or chose a different career path from what was expected. Your child may have fallen into trouble along the way or could be struggling with an addiction. None of these actions caught God by surprise. In fact, He may have orchestrated some of these decisions or allowed your child to go through these experiences for a greater purpose.

As parents, we have to remember that God is in control. Our children may not choose the path we deem as right, but what they choose may be right for them. No matter what decisions they make, God can still accomplish His will and purpose through them. As parents, God wants us to extend them grace, as He has to us, and provide them with unconditional love.