Kids and Foundation Building

We are in the middle of the re-construction of our new church meeting space.  Everyday I walk into my office I get to see open walls, dangling lightbulbs, and a lot of dust!  How I long and dream about painted walls, light fixtures, and doors for our Kingdom kids classroom so we can play loud games again at church!

But, we all know that the 'foundation' of our new building comes first. Without pipes, wiring, walls, and ductwork, there would be no rooms to paint or attach light fixtures and doors. And patiently we wait.

In growing children, there is a lot of 'foundation' work to be done in order to solidify their lives to sustain all the privileges and responsibilities that come with growing, as well as leading them to be aware of and responsive to God's calling and purpose.  Just because a child has a birthday does not mean he or she is maturing. So how can we be intentional about growing our children well and helping build a good foundation? 

I believe it's important to first look at your own foundation.  What are your core beliefs and values? What are the key ingredients of life for you?  When you have your own foundation built well, it becomes quite natural that you begin to "pass along" to your children. You teach them the ways of life and wisdom by living it and explaining it along the way.

I love the Proverbs, and here is a small section from chapter 4.  I hope we attend to our own lives in such a way that we can encourage our children with these same words of life.

My child,listen to me and do as I say,
    and you will have a long, good life.
11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways
    and lead you in straight paths.
12 When you walk, you won’t be held back;
    when you run, you won’t stumble.
13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
    Guard them, for they are the key to life. Prov.4:10-13