by Sally Matheny
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| Devotions for Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas |
“Do you think your children feel more like projects or deeply loved children?”
When I read that, I thought of all the times I have tried to shape my children into productive citizens.
If you’re like me, sometimes that training-them-to-live-in-the-world mindset overrides the cherish-them-for-who-they-are moments.
The question above and the devotion that followed in Gary Thomas’ book, Devotions for Sacred Parenting, sent me immediately to talk with my heavenly Father.
This devotion tugged at my heart because he talked about a phrase I have often said, “raising kids.”
Thomas wrote,
“It can diminish family life to a farm activity—raising crops or raising pets. Kids are so profoundly different. I’m relating to them, caring for them, involved with them. I don’t want the utilitarian aspect—growing them into adults—to become the defining point of our relationship.”
“We can get so busy trying to make sure our children complete their homework, display good manners, not watch too much television, get enough exercise, and eat well that we can forget to enjoy them and relate to them."
Ahhh . . . and that is why I love, love, love this book. It’s not just another book on how to parent effectively. It takes a fresh look at how God uses parenting to transform us, to draw us to Him, and how that makes us better parents.
This hardback book, published by Zondervan, contains fifty-two devotions followed by reflection questions.
It is for parents of all ages and stages. My husband and I have two grown children out on their own and one teen still at home. We are gleaning precious reminders as well as introductions to some new things to ponder and pray about.
Normally, I’ll use the books I’m sent to review as giveaways here on my blog. I like this book so much I plan to keep this one.
*However, I like it so much, I’m hoping you’ll get one for yourself, so I am giving away a gift certificate to ChristianBook.com! A name from the list of subscribers to this blog will be randomly selected as the winner on Friday, August 10, 2018.*
Is your name on the list? Check back next week to see who won!
In the meantime, share with our blog family here, something you cherish about your children-- who they are, what they're teaching you, or ways you enjoy spending time with them.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
