Let's Get 'Em Ready

by Devin Dummel

I have a friend who is extremely handy.  It seems like nearly every weekend he and his family are doing some sort of project.  It’s impressive what they are able to accomplish in a single weekend.  And the most rewarding part of the process for them has to be when they publish the side by side before and after picture.  It’s truly impressive to see their dream and vision become a reality.

Maybe you’re not as handy or as driven as my friends, but my guess is that in some area of your life you know what it’s like to complete a project.  It’s extremely rewarding and satisfying to see the final product or result from all your hard work.   Now I’m not sure how you typically start a project, but Stephen Covey famously said, “Begin with the end in mind.”  And while it seems simple to think this way, it’s revolutionary when you actually decide to begin with the end in mind with all your projects – home or otherwise.

Now what does this have to do with parenting?  Well I’m sure you’ve figured this out by now – Parenting is one heck of a project.  No matter what you do there are twists and turns that you can’t see ahead of time.  And unfortunately when you leave the hospital someone doesn’t hand you a “Baby Manual” that explains how to handle every situation from now until they graduate.  But the challenge for us as parents is to truly “Begin with the end in mind”.

Have you ever set time aside and thought about, what exactly do I want for my son our daughter?  What do I want them to know before they graduate high school?  What characteristic and qualities do I hope to instill in them before they head out on their own into the world?  These are important questions to answer, because I promise if you know where you are trying to go then it’s always easier to get there. 

Our goal in the Next Gen & Student Ministries at PCC is to create environments where children and students can explore and discover their own authentic faith.  Every plan, program and event is geared toward helping them ignite wonder, provoke discovery and fuel their passion.  To put it more simply when your son or daughter graduates high school, it’s our hope and prayer that alongside of you, we’ve helped get them ready for the next phase of their life.

This week as you faithfully work on your “parenting projects” remember to work with the end in mind.  Don’t just get through today, instead forecast for your son or daughter where you want to go.  Picture the difference in the before and after picture of your child’s life and help them discover all that God has made them to be. 

And remember that you are not alone in this challenging yet rewarding project.  You have a family of brothers and sisters in Christ who are just a text or phone call away.  They are another tool in your parenting toolbox, to help your children find their authentic faith.  So let’s begin with the end in mind and let’s work together!

Let’s Get ‘Em Ready!