Proper Perspective

Finally brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. Philippians 4:8 (GW)

I'd read that verse a hundred times or more throughout my life. It always made me think of my behavior, my thoughts, the things I should or shouldn't do. But when I read it this time, I thought of my parenting skills.

I've recently struggled with my teen about school work, how it sometimes isn't getting done when it should. Normally, we get along great, but in this one area we sometimes experience conflict. Then I read this Bible verse in my morning devotions and it slapped me in the face. Have I been keeping my thoughts about my daughter on what she does right and that which deserves praise? Are my eyes open to the things about her that are true, honorable, pure, acceptable, and commendable?

Too often, I let areas of challenge overshadow all the good. As parents we often get so caught up in correcting our children and shaping their character that we forget to notice what they do right. My daughter is exemplary in most ares of her life. That's remarkable for a sixteen-year-old! She's strong in her faith, has a great sense of humor, is kind and compassionate, and gets along with almost everybody. 

So today I vow to keep my thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable, especially in regard to my daughter. And guess what the next verse says? "Then the God who gives this peace will be with you." Ahhh. I'll gladly trade yesterday's stress for God's peace today.

How do you keep your mind on the things this verse mentions? Why is it so easy to let the negative crowd out the good we see in our children? Or is it? Leave me your thoughts in the comments below.

Linda