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This last week Tyler turned eight months old. Everyone says of raising their children–”It flies by so fast!” I can see how this is because we can see Tyler’s changes and growth in just a couple of days and weeks. It was only one month ago that Tyler learned to crawl, and only a couple of weeks ago that he figured out how to pull himself to standing by holding onto the coffee table. Today I saw him take two or three tiny cautious steps along-side the coffee table to reach a toy that was at the end. I guess the only way to come to grips with how fast time flies with him is to savor each day and work hard at being faithful to be the kind of mom to Tyler that God wants me to be.

These days I’m always interested in the topic of parenting. My ears perk up when people talk about it and when I visit a bookstore I skim the shelves in that section. But I’m learning that one of the best books on parenting is the book of Proverbs. It addresses in a simple contrasting way wisdom and foolishness. In many ways the foolish man can be representative of children and the wise man is often referred to as the father or mother. As I’ve been reading through some of Proverbs I have started praying that this will be true of me, rather than being a foolish parent!

These few verses paint the picture of parental wisdom and that it should be cherished. I strongly desire to be the kind of mother that Tyler needs to heed. And not just because “I’m your mother, I say so” but because that my life and words may be a light to him–that’s why their words can lead, keep and speak to the son.

Ministering to high school students the last several years I notice that for many parents the main focus for the child is school. It isn’t that they don’t bring them to church or allow them to be involved in other interests, but the main priority it seems is school. I’m concerned about this because although I would want Tyler to learn and do well in school I would hope that the main priority set in our home and modeled by my husband and I would be a relationship with God and all the facets of what that looks like.

I can see a danger if Christian parents only took their children to church to model Christianity as a priority but at home quarrel, speak harshly, are demanding, disunified or selfish. What would the child really be imitating then? I want my life to model for Tyler a saving relationship with Christ, pursuit holiness and fervent service and humble consideration of others. I would think that many parents could raise a child with moral character traits, good communication skills and straight A’s through school, but miss God in all of it.

The last part of this passage, about the lamp and light made me think of Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” A Christian mother and father’s wisdom should identify with the Word of God. As a mother, I need to exemplify what I say I believe and also what I expect from Tyler.

I think we all know what a vast difference some of these verses would make if they were true of us as a way of life and our children observed and experienced them as we lived them out.

-“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.“ Proverbs 15:1

-“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16

-“‘Be angry and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26

-“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

-“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

-“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Colossians 3:18

These are just a few of the many commands God has given to us. As we obey, the Lord will transform us from the weak, sinful bad examples, to being a model of Christ for our children and anyone else we come in contact with. It seems right now that the training we do with little Tyler is warning him of things he tries to touch or do that might be dangerous for him and dealing with tantrums or squirming when he’s getting a diaper change, but I know that as time goes on he will begin to watch, listen and mimic us. I hope and pray that he will someday be imitating Christ in me.