From Depending on us, to depending on HIM
We were living in a caravan in the grounds of the Queensland Baptist Theological College at West End when our first child was born in September 1970. This was during my husband’s second year of study to become an ordained minister and we had our eyes set on going to PNG as missionaries. I was required to do one year’s study which I did during that year until our son was born. We both enjoyed the lectures by our principal, the late Doctor Ted Gibson, and he had the habit of dropping little gems along the way. One of these gems became a guide for us as we brought up our family—Our main aim as parents should be to guide our children to turn their dependence on us to a dependence on God. Just a simple statement but so helpful—and also challenging.
How did we do this? I don’t remember following any particular formula or set of rules or being conscious of it all the time, but I do remember that we attended church regularly as a family, read Bible stories to them and prayed with each one before they went to sleep at night. Our children saw us setting aside time at the beginning of each day for our own personal time with the Lord and each one knew that God was an important part of our daily lives. We weren’t perfect and I believe God understands that. I’m aware that some of my readers may be thinking it was alright for them, they were missionaries, but my situation is so different. That doesn’t make any difference to God. He’s a God of love and grace. Whatever your situation is, God knows and understands. Keep praying for your children. Keep asking for the wisdom and strength that God promises to give us when we ask Him. Keep depending on the Lord yourself and, without realising it, you will be modelling for your children what it means to depend on God.
About the Author:
Adele is a well seasoned wife and mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of the most inspiring kind. She has been a wonderful role model in my (Katherine’s) life. Read a little more about her as you scroll down our ABOUT page.
