Does it Really Matter for Parents to Show Up for Kids?
Showing up, whether it is in time of dire need, or simply just to be there to show love and support, is no small thing. Kyle reminds us why we need to keep making the effort!
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10
Have you ever been left alone at lunch, a program, or a sporting event with no support? How did that feel? On the flip side, can you remember a time a friend or family member showed up to support you? The Bible gives us plenty of examples of how showing up and being there in support of a friend means a ton! Look at Ruth and Naomi, Jonathan and David, Jesus and His disciples, and more. Showing up is a big deal!
- We aren’t meant to live life alone! The Bible talks time and again about friends living life together. Whether it be praying, eating, mourning, celebrating, or adventuring together. We were made to live life with others. We were made to have others pour into our lives and to be there for others! Take a look at Ecclesiastes 4, 1 Thessalonians 5, Philippians 2, and Hebrews 10.
- Be an example. You can be “Jesus in tennis shoes” as we like to say at camp! You don’t have to put on a robe and leather sandals to act as Jesus did. The Word tells us God will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and you showing up and being at that lunch, that school program, that little presentation, that big presentation, or that game can be a great picture of Christ. Showing up not only demonstrates to your children that they are loved and valued, but also that you believe what God did and said really does matter!
- The Real Deal. As many of you recall, our 2018 summer theme was, The Real Deal! This theme was based on 1 John 3:18 where we learned that love is an action. This means we should love with more than words or our tongues, but also in action and in truth! We have this incredible opportunity to show love with actions every time a child or friend has an event! How can we show the Real Deal love of Christ in action today!?
Showing up and loving in action is, The Real Deal! I pray we take advantage of acting out love and being there for our children as we are called to do!
Camper Corner:
Do you like when people show up and watch your games or performances? How can you love somebody today with an action and show them you care?
