Lee and I were discussing the dependence/ independence concept and our children. He mentioned that one significant pitfall to avoid is teaching a child to be so independent that He doesn’t see his need of God. We want to encourage confidence, without Emersonian self-reliance. This is no small challenge, and I do think a potential pitfall. If I start with myself, I must live my life in dependence on Him, not just with my words, but with my life. The two biggest areas are taking the time to read God’s word for my personal walk with the Lord (not just to be a “good example” to my children), and prayer. It’s not simply “showing” my children my dependence; it’s about being dependent. Guess I have work to do! Thankfully, God has me in a place where I must depend on Him, or lose a bit of sanity trying to keep my ducks in a row.
Lee also challenged me to consider what the Bible says about independence and dependence. I’ll have to report back on that when I have more time.
Leave a Reply