Time to breathe...

Well, we just finished the last of our childbirth preparation classes, and aside from being freaked out by all the things that could go wrong with childbirth, I found it a bit disappointing. Seeing all of the different types of parents (and especially dads) really reminded me of how so many parents spend so much time preparing for the BIRTH of the child (classes, nursery, showers, registries, etc.), but overlook preparing for the UPBRINGING of the child (being parents!)

Working with junior highers, high schoolers, and college students, I realize that the first few years are so crucial in laying down the values and formative family dynamics that will shape a kid into adolescence. There really is only one shot at it!

This past Monday, Sarah and I had the chance to spend some time reading, eating lunch, praying and meditating over Scripture, and discussing the first two chapters of a book we're reading together, "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Ted Tripp. We talked about some family values that we were brought up in - different roles that our moms and dads took on, how we resolved conflict, how our parents demonstrated their faith and made it visible...and what we wanted to shape in our family. It was a precious time that had a profound impact on me.

It's a fantastic book because of it's Gospel-centered approach to parenting the heart, not just behavior. For all you new parents out there like us, let me commend it to you.

Well, much thanks to Jim & Pat Schiltz for giving us use of your beautiful home and garden for the day to retreat. You really gave us the gift of time. May God give us the grace to be parents who love Jesus even more than we love our kid!