Schedules of the Incredible Family
Schedule for Parenting – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Ephesians 6:1-10

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Parenting is an interesting word.  It implies that there are two adults that are intentionally taking actions in this area of raising their children.  I have witnessed adults who are partners but are doing very little parenting.  Parenting is not a label that should be given to all parents.  It should be reserved for those who have thoughtfully decided a strategy—a direction to point their children and consistently do it!

            It takes very little time to be a parent; it takes a lot of time to do parenting.  Compared to other activities in life, it is discouraging to see the little amount of time given to actual parenting in some homes.  If we choose to be parents, we need to realize that our schedules are going to need adjustments to allow time for parenting.

            In our original passage of scripture for this week’s theme, we read: “Those commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).  These two scriptures can be a schedule guide for parents who are determined to schedule parenting time.  This passage not only tells parents to impress God’s principles upon their kids, but it also tells them how to do this.  Tomorrow we will look at the “how to.”

Father, I want to be a godly parent and grandparent.  Grant me your wisdom to schedule my life for these activities.  In Jesus’ name, amen.