My wife and I were privileged to be on a mission trip to Lebanon from Oct. 14-28. The primary reason for the trip was the teach Cross-Cultural Counseling to students pursuing their Master’s Degree in Biblical Counseling in the Evangelical Training Center in Dhour Chouer, east of Beirut. While there, I was able to interact with a group of 12 couples whose goal was specifically to discuss parenting, and it was a joy to interact with these dear brothers and sisters in Christ as they encounter the same issues we do on this side of the ocean.
During the question and answer time, one dad asked how he could be more alert to the needs of his children. One key thought has helped me with that through the years and that is to treat parenting as a hobby. We all know that what our passions keep us alerted to what is taking place around us, and no matter what, we keep going back to our hobbies. We are able to focus on work, or other responsibilities, but we typically are able to fit our hobbies in somewhere. Parenting, although not really a hobby, if always sought as one, takes on a real determined effort, and typically, one is able to not only consider, but follow through, with making it a priority without effort.
God wants us to do “all things heartily as unto him,” so intentional parenting, and “fitting” in concentrated efforts no matter what, is a wonderful way to accomplish this “hearty” endeavor!
May the Lord bless you as you faithfully serve Him in your “hobby!”
