Nothing is more frustrating than reaching over to turn a light on and finding out that it has been unplugged.  The fact is that you and I recognize that things have to be ‘connected’ to work.  Even our beloved technology can only go so long before it must be connected to a power source.

With respect to our families, I observe that we are ‘connected’ in the sense that we are together, but ‘disconnected’ because we really don’t know each other’.  For my generation, I wonder if the push to succeed financially has taken its toll on the family?  I mean we were conditioned to pad our 401k’s, get the best job possible, work the hardest during our prime, and to retire with our feet in sand while overlooking the waves.  I think about my own kids and how they don’t really care about my retirement (at least now), financial security, or how well I am doing with my social influence.  At the age my kids are, they simply care about me hanging out with them.

What I have observed as a teen worker is that even though our children grow up, they long to be led.  Their facial expressions may not indicate this, but what we have seen (on the youth worker side) is that our children miss their parents.  Now I know this goes much deeper than this one issue, but let’s simply ponder this point for a few minutes.

If you are a parent, God has given you an incredible gift.  Psalm 127:3 says…

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Our kids are a gift from the Lord.  If the Lord has blessed us with such an incredible gift, then we in turn should take care of it.  For previous generations, difficulties with parenting came in High School, then that moved to Middle School…now it is starting even earlier.  I have personally observed that children as early as the third grade are beginning to depart from their parents.  Blame it on technology or whatever you want, but the fact is that you and I need to recognize this and do something about it.  The problems that can arise from a disconnected family are plentiful.  Authentic communication will stop, parents will begin to put a stop gap on their child’s development (meaning that you will engage them at the same level as you last did when you were connected).  I believe it was Andy Stanley who said, “relationships pick up where they left off”.  If your relationship with your child takes a nose dive at the third grade, guess how you are going to talk to your child when they are in High School?…yeah…that’s right, like a third grader.  As difficult as it may be, we have to stay engaged in the lives of our children.  Not sure if this applies to you?… check the lamp of communication, if the lamp is not working let’s make sure that it’s plugged in.

The good news is that you and I are not alone.  Every church that I know of has a dedicated group of people who care about families and want to help you get re-connected.  Sure the church only see’s your children 40 hours a year…but it’s another 40 hours where we can come along side of what you (as the parent) are already doing.  As for the Family Ministry at Southbrook Church, we want to partner with you as a parent to help you get connected and stay connected.  Will it be easy?….NO; Will it result in you perhaps changing somethings in your life…PROBABLY;  Will it be worth it?…ABSOLUTELY.

Regardless of where you are at relationally with your child be encouraged that you can do this…but not alone.  Trust in the Lord for wisdom and direction.  He has this all figured out…you and I just need to keep asking Him for direction…and as a final thought, don’t let your pride stop you from asking for help.  The church is here to come along side you and support you during these difficult years.  Don’t parent alone!