Recently our family went on vacation to an indoor water park and had an absolute blast the entire week! It was the first of, what we hope are, many family vacations!
We had a plan for the week, but were not married to it, so we had some flexibility and freedom to change our minds should we want to do something else or need to rest. One particular afternoon, we were leaving the water park early because the boys needed to take a break, eat, and recoup. We gave them our typical heads up, "We're leaving in _____ minutes." But when the time came to leave, they were understandably upset because they were not ready to leave. Tantrums ensued and by the time we got back to our room, everyone was a mess. I witnessed a beautiful daddy discipleship moment as I got ready to pick up our food.
Andy was trying to reassure the boys that they could (and should) trust him. He had a plan and was executing the plan with his overall knowledge that they were not aware of. They needed food and a break before our fun activity after dinner. All they saw was daddy denying them something they really wanted to do. Their short-sighted understanding was causing them much grief.
Andy talked to them about Israel and how God wanted them to trust him, even when they didn't see the full picture. He brought the boys to Jeremiah 29:11 which says,
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
He had the boys repeat it back to him phrase-by-phrase so they could memorize it together. Then, he explained how God was trying to teach Jeremiah and Israel how to trust him. Finally, Andy connected it back to how the boys could trust that daddy has a plan for them that is for their good and they're benefit.
After we got home a week later, we were on a family walk and he asked the boys about the passage. They were able to quote two thirds of the verse from memory and Andy reminded them of how they could trust him AND trust God.
Dads,
this is a simple example of discipling our kids in the everyday aspects of our lives. The big, purposeful, intensive, and planned moments are good, but so are those off-the-cuff moments when we're right in the mess of it all. Most importantly, we point our kids back to Jesus, even in the middle of a water park.
Don't overthink it. Lean into Jesus. Ask him for moments like this. Trust in his process and opportunities. Take advantage of the moments when you can point your kids right back to him.
Note: That daddy-discipleship moment was about 5 minutes, tops. The follow-up was about 1 minute. But they left a lasting impression and a great foundation!
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