Last night we took our youngest son, Chase, to Kinder Camp.  WOW…was he excited, scared, shy and intrigued.  And was I ever excited, sad and apprehensive that I’m allowing someone else to have the opportunity to influence my second child – BIG TIME.  (I’ve already seen the changes that have occurred with the introduction of school with my second grader – some good, some bad.)

Yes, I am really happy to be sending the last one off to school.  However, once again, I am forced to let go and let God be in control of what happens next.  Easier said than done!

Where did the time go?  Didn’t I just birth this little guy and struggle over the decision to stay at home fulltime?  Isn’t he still my baby?  Will he really be okay when I put him on the bus come Monday morning?  ARGH!

What I’m most afraid of is that we live in a world where it is better to be politically correct than to stand up for what is right.  The loudest barking dog gets his way and it doesn’t necessarily mean he is right, or that he is the majority.

With this being said, I’m supposed to send these kiddos off to school where I’m truly at the hands of teachers to make decisions and give them the responsibility to teach my children what our government has deemed the ‘right’ curriculum?

OH NO!  I’m going to have a meltdown and it’s not even the first day of school, yet!!!  Didn’t I do this already two years ago with the first born?  Why hasn’t it gotten any easier?!?!?!

I guess the real question is how do I teach Jake (the oldest) and Chase to do what is right, grow in Christ and stand up for their beliefs even when it’s not popular, excepted or cool?  Especially since their teachers and their peers are on the cusp of having a larger influence than I am!  And I’m not sure if it will be a good or bad effect.

Pray, pray, pray! – Keeping my children on the top of my prayer list and OFTEN is essential.  If I’m not praying for them, then who is?  Putting their needs in the hands of God will not only make me feel better, but will also accomplish my worrisome plight.

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1

Let go and let God! – Placing God in charge of my children is crucial to keeping stress, worry and insanity from creeping into my heart.  Trusting God to do His will in my children’s life is no different than trusting Him with my own life.  I have to let go of the egotistical reasoning that I know best.  Because I don’t.  God does.  Again, easier said than done.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1Corinthians 10:13

The buck stops here! – As the parent of my two boys, I have been given the great responsibility to teach them about God, His Son and His Word.  The real struggle is making sure I am a good example for my children to emulate.  If I’m not walking in the light of Christ, how will I ever be able to be a model for them?

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Titus 2:7-8

WHEW!  I feel better already!  I am optimistic that God will take care of my kids even when they are at school because I trust He is in control of my life, as well as theirs.  It’s not going to be easy, but by prayer, trust and obedience I think I’ll be able to get through each day!

What tips do you have to be the bigger influence in your children’s lives?

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.