It is really quiet outside my office at the church today.

Usually at this time I hear the laughter of little ones playing on the playgroun right outside my office. Screams of joy from the field where they are all learning to play soccer are usually heard at this time. However, Cornerstone Preschool has closed for the summer and the silence is deafening.

Last week the kindergarten class threw their caps in the air and moved on to face the world. They will do so with a sense of confidence, courage, and anticipation. Their days at Cornerstone built their self-esteem and gave them the building blocks they will need to face the rigors of first grade!

I am pretty sure there was a future president in the group! As they shared what they wanted to be when they grew up there were several who simply said a momma or a dad. It just reminded me of the fact that they are watching us. If they are brave and courageous it is because their parents were brave and courageous. It they are adverturesome it is because their parents were adventuresome. If they know God it is because their parents know God.

Luke 2:52 reminds us that “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Jesus grew in stature. He grew physically. I believe he took care of his body and avoided anything that could harm him physically. I see parents today who are going to extremes to make sure their children eat right, sleep enough, and excel in sports, dance, gymnastics, swimming, etc.

Jesus grew in wisdom. I believe Jesus took every opportunity to learn. I see parents today who are concerned about their child’s education. They want to make sure they are learning the right things and not learning the wrong.

Jesus grew in favor with men–socially. There is no doubt that Jesus loved people. I see parents today who struggle with the battle of texting vs talking. Cells phones and technology cannot replace the warmth of a human touch.

Jesus grew in favor with God–spiritually. I have a deep concern today for this area. It seems that parents have neglected this very important area of growth. I see more and more parents neglecting their child’s spiritual growth and replacing it with so many other interests.

I am convinced that for children to be successful in life they need to mature physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. It is the example set for us in the Bible. Please do not leave out the spiritual growth in your child’s life–it is a stablizing force in a world that is becoming more and more unstable.

This is my story…