The more children I have, the more well-meaning people ask me, “But how are you going to pay for all those children to go to college?” I don’t have a pat answer for them, but my husband and I do share the same vision for our children. That they would be nurtured in the will of the Father. Whether or not that includes the status-quo doesn’t really matter. We try to avoid fantasizing and labeling our children’s futures. Your advice was very good: one step in front of the other. And might I add, Don’t jump to any conclusions.

Hi Brietta - Thanks so much for this wonderful encouragement! It was a blessing to read from your perspective. Love, Q

Brietta-

I love hearing your testimony- especially with three daughters of our own!

When I look at our four small children and dream of what their lives hold, I pray…pray so more…pray some more…and more…and more… and more…

It is not too soon to pray for your baby’s future job, marriage, family, ministry, protection, etc. I am confident of the plan of the Enemy to steal, kill, and destroy our children’s lives. I do not say this with fear. Rather with a sobering awareness that prompts me- no, demands me- to act. And so at this point in my young parenting experience, how do I act? I pray.

I pray for God’s Divine hand to guide their little lives, even now. I pray for His protection all the days of their lives. I pray that the Holy Spirit will abide within them, bearing much fruit for the Lord. I pray that God will purge all the sinful tendencies within them, teaching them His ways. I pray that they will learn to love, honor, and obey the Lord Jesus in all they say and do. I pray that each of them will learn (sooner rather than later) how to cultivate a relationship with Jesus. I pray that my children may realize their talents and gifts, pursuing them with all their hearts. I pray that they may lay down their lives to live out the destiny of God wholeheartedly.

After all, we do make our own plans, but it is the Lord who guides our steps. My husband is quite good at training our children to think in terms of the future. Our son, especially, talks frequently about “When I grow up to be a man…” My husband is faithful to always remind our son that it is for God’s will that we live and that when we grow up, we should do what the Lord wants for our lives. Our son, even now, asks, “How will I know?” My husband replies, “You will know…God will speak to your heart at just the right time.”

This satisfies our curious son for now and builds his trust in the Lord; knowing that his Heavenly Father created him, crafted him with all of his unique strengths and weaknesses, loves him, and will guide him each and every day. The Lord really does guide us and teach us the way we should go!

Sarah Diederich

God’s main purpose in anyone’s life is that we know and worship Him. His purpose is also that we love from a pure heart and good conscience in all that we do. These things are supremely important, much more so than the actual “what” that we do. Pray earnestly to that end.

But we were all made with unique sets of talents, personality traits and interests. Discovering the varying gifts and tools given to every child are part of what parenting is all about. It begins early on as we watch them play and learn. You can probably cross certain hobbies or occupations off the list in time. Zeroing in on just one is often the more difficult task.

In some cases a particular strength is readily evident, but this may be more of an exception. A single obvious interest does not always present itself as a possible lifelong occupation. In these situations, it may help to start digging for information on what jobs look best in terms of predicted demand and security. What kind of money will it provide? Where are these jobs located? Are there plenty of these jobs in the areas where I want to live?

With a knowledge of your child’s aptitudes and some of these questions explored, you can then determine a course of action. It is okay to “just pick one”. If it appeals in some way, or suits a given list of requirements, check it out and consider it a viable option. At some point, work is work, God will honor that, and He will use the opportunities it provides for extending His kingdom. As I said before, the main thing is to foster a love for serving His kingdom throughout the process of education so that when job time arrives, that priority will already be in place.

Happy exploring!

I will say that I do not think it wise to assume that every child will go on to a certain level of higher education. Some may need apprenticeship, others two year degrees, and some, 4+. I hope to post more on this another time in more detail. But the goal is to find God’s niche for his/her particular combination of personality, talent, and interest. And never, never forfeit character growth and pursuit of service to God for the pursuit of educational success or job.

Keeping first things first is most important. Letting them know that success in their relationship with God is what matters most, especially during these precious formative years. And these are formative years.

I did a quick search and found this site informative for starters. (http://www.rileyguide.com/careers.html)

“…remind your children that perfecting and using their gifts is not the goal: loving God and loving their neighbor is where it’s at.”

This is a good reminder, I think - and not just for one’s children, but for anyone with whom we have influence (myself included, of course). Sometimes it’s easy to be wowed by someone’s gift, and make that the important thing, the main area in which we’re encouraging his/her growth.

it is truly a wondrous thing, after years and years of investing, shaping, molding, training, guiding, etc….
to see the revealing of what was there all along in each of our kids.

as for higher education, I am striving to think BIG BIG BIG and entirely outside the box. Why not? We serve a creative and generous God who has an eternal perspective.

good thoughts, everyone. I’m encouraged!

I love the end where you wrote “loving God and loving your neighbor is where it’s at”.
Only one word…and that is OTHERS! How I so desperately want to teach and show my children that!

Great advice! Just the thought of Eleora growing up gets me all sappy. We’re so excited to see what the Lord does with her life. Arrows, arrows! Thanks for the post!

Very cool Breeze… I asked this question not expecting such a good answer. This is a great response that gives direction and focus here and now. May God give our children a clear path after we have been faithful in all of the little things. And may His grace propel us all.