Grace makes room…
for them to tell us things about themselves that we might not be excited to hear. Grace makes room for them to voice their doubts and fears. Grace makes room for them to walk with us through adult issues they are struggling with. Grace makes room for them to tell us things about ourselves that we might not be excited to hear. (p. 196)
Grace recognizes our kids are sinners…
and the only real solution is the work of Christ on their behalf. (p.216)
Grace is a daily reminder…
of how desperately you need a Savior as well. (p. 218)
I read these words and my heart is torn wide open. Maybe it was the vivid picture of watching the Easter drama this past weekend at church and seeing how Jesus parented the 12. His eyes were filled with grace and compassion as they lived all human and needy in front of Him. Or maybe, it is the effect of my commitment to spending a year in grace and letting grace spend a year in me. Either way, Grace Based Parenting is bringing the concept of grace to a real applicable place in my life.
I have asked myself some tough questions this week: Does my parenting give room for honest give and take discussions with my kids about life and their struggles? Am I willing to hear areas that I need to work on, from the lips of my children? Do I get annoyed by their sin – bothered that it costs me something – and {over} react to it? Or am I giving them the tools to learn how the Holy Spirit can give them the strength to overcome their sin and walk in victory? Do I hand out the grace that was freely handed out to me?
The Grace Based Parenting journey for me has just begun. I have been inspired throughout this study and will need to re-visit this book many times in the days ahead. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to:
Parent the way God parents us.
Daily walk with Christ and have a true heart activated plan.
Give real time gifts of grace when my girls are different and vulnerable.
Have a home that makes room for candidness and recognizes we are all sinners under this roof?
I love how Dr. Kimmel ends the book. He says, “If the only thing you get right as parents is His grace, everything else will be just fine” I’m grateful that His grace is all sufficient. I’m grateful that God is the perfect Grace Based Parent, and that He is the best teacher for this grace hungry mom.
*****
Now it is your turn! What has stirred you heart in the last 4 weeks from this Grace Based Parenting discussion? Did you buy *the book? Do you have some tough questions you need to ask yourself? Is there room in your home for grace? I’d love to know what you are thinking! Also, be sure to visit the Family Matters Blog and check out their amazing grace filled resources! You can also follow them on Twitter and find them on Facebook.
More on Grace Based Parenting:
*affiliate link
LOVE the idea of parenting the way God parents us! With Joy, Carey
It really does make me want to go back and look closely at how He parented His people throughout Scripture! Thanks for stopping by Carey!
I’ve ordered the book! I can’t wait to read. This idea of grace to our children, not just receiving grace for ourselves then using it to be “better parents”, was a brand new thought to me about a year and half ago. God just began to teach me and open my eyes. I am so excited to read this and as you said, bringing it to a real applicable place in my life. Thank you for all you’ve shared!
So glad you are getting the book Robyn! I know this one will be on my nightstand for years to come, so I can read and re-read it! Praying that it sinks in deep for both of us!
I’m so behind in my book but I’m loving it! It’s truly opening my eyes to being a more grace-giving parent and person in general! Grace is the foundation for my eternal destination! I’m so thankful but don’t show it nearly enough!!!! Thank you for taking us on this journey with you and for recommending this book! I’ve enjoyed;)
LOVED your heart and insight! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with all of us! Please know that we’re encouraged by YOU and what God is doing in your life and family. Thanks!
Thank you so much for making this month long focus on “Grace Based Parenting” possible!
Oh this: “Grace is a daily reminder…of how desperately you need a Savior as well.” Yes, yes!
I really think that’s one of the biggest reasons why I love grace so much and find it so, yes, amazing and beautiful. Grace and its undeserved nature completely say I need it. And I want to need it. I desire it. Or, stronger, I thirst for it and can’t operate without it. And Christ gives it freely. Amazing.
Stacey, thanks so much for these grace posts. I’m excited for more grace-related posts this year! (This book is definitely on my to-be-read list.)