I don’t consider myself an expert on raising children, but I am passionate about parenting! In this monumental task of parenting, we’ve all learned some things along the way. And to not share is to fail to encourage where we can. So I hope you’ll view this series as just that – an encouragement for how to keep hope alive throughout the many facets of parenting.

I remember frequently being in awe of how different each of my children were from one another. How personalities and interests could be so diverse left me curious and constantly learning in the midst of wanting so much for these three souls.

And now so many years later, as I graduate my second from university, I’m reminded of how glorious different and unique really is. A History Professor who lives in China, a Worship Pastor and our Biologist soon to graduate all leave me thrilled to know they are walking in their own giftings, their own bent.

Yet even in this, commonality from each parent thrives…

~a love of teaching

~a passion for scripture and truth

~a curiosity for nature and life

~a compassion and connection to animals

~a discipline for music and a passion for worship

~an appreciation for historical facts

~a drive to lead

~a heart for making a difference

~a joy for adventure

We all want our children to be a better version of us. But what about children who are created to be a different version of us. Full of some of the same qualities and interests and yet instilled with unique giftings to lead them toward a path all their own.

One that isn’t dictated by money or fame, position or power. . One that isn’t necessarily stamped in the same branding as our own life, but is imprinted with a calling that takes them beyond the breadth of our dreams. One driven by passion to live their authentic and hope-filled life, not ours.

To parent a child in their bent is to begin early and intentionally and relentlessly.

To lead a child toward their bent is to lead them toward hope. Share on X

It begins by being willing to be the keeper of our child’s dreams until their old enough to steward them. So when they desire everything, we show them how to desire only their best. When they feel the pressure to conform, we help them plant their feet solidly in who they are created to be. And when they’re tempted to seek after someone else’s passion, we point them toward their own…over and over and over again.

It begins by investing in every facet of our child’s heart. Learning what brings them joy and pinpointing what stirs their heart and makes their adrenaline flow. When they feel the pressure to be like everyone else, we come along side them and celebrate all that makes them different and unique and “one-of-a-kind.” And when we’re temped to view our child through the eyes of another, we don’t.

Because we’ve been given the honor of shaping and molding. We’ve been chosen and entrusted to…

Become a student of each child

Identify each child’s giftings

Direct each child’s uniqueness

Celebrate each child’s differences

Rise above comparing one child to another

Ours is the colossal task of pointing our children toward their one best calling.

“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone.” Swami Vivekananda

Regardless of how many times they want to give up, we instill the hope of all they can be. In spite of all the hurdles and disappointments and challenges, we take their hand and lead them beyond the discomfort of now toward the blessings of tomorrow. When they wonder what they want to be, we show them who they can be.

Because to parent our child in the hope of all they are created to be is more than leading them toward their bent.

It’s leading them to the heart of their Creator~

Sharing our #blogs on #FreshMarketFriday #linkup! Today: #Parenting a Child in Their Bent Share on X

♥Come back next week for encouragement on how to be your child’s Keeper of Dreams!

♥ Need to catch up on the Parenting in Hope Series?

This Week’s Featured Fresh Find…

If you’re new to Fresh Market Friday, you can find more about the community HERE.

Each week, it’s my pleasure to select one writer from the link-up to showcase on my blog for the entire week. I’m excited to announce this week’s Featured Fresh Find is Liz Rigby over at Plunge Deep – Climb Steep!

Liz challenges us to greater faith and expectation of all God can do in our life. And not just what He can do, but anticipation of all He wants to do. She also encourages us to let even the smallest miracles move us deeper in our faith and belief. Often our most difficult faith hurdles come in the midst of hard life, and if we can just press through with intention toward God instead of hardening our hearts against Him, there is always grace to carry us through and something good waiting on the other side.

Won’t you please visit Liz’s and share some Fresh Market Friday encouragement…because we all need a little encouragement!

And here’s another fresh piece of goodness…

A badge for all featured writers! Just right-click on the badge and copy the link address to your blog sidebar!

♥ Write your post on your blog, just like any other post

♥ Use the linky tool below to copy and paste your post permalink (limit of 2)

♥ Add my Fresh Market Friday badge to your post. Or link up my blog in your post as a great way to invite friends to the blog market.

♥ Try to find another market vendor to encourage with a comment

♥ Consider following my blog and/or Facebook page, because connecting with you is what makes all of this so worthwhile.

♥ Please feel free to pin and connect on Pinterest also!

♥ Our Twitter hashtag is #FreshMarketFriday