Each one of us is uniquely created with God-given gifts and
talents designed to help us accomplish His specific purposes for our lives. One
of our responsibilities as parents is to help guide our children into finding
their purpose. While this might seem a
bit overwhelming, keep in mind that this is not a process that happens overnight. If we are really paying attention and get to
know our kids, then we will see glimpses of their talents as they grow.
Do you have a child who is always trying to start a little
business? Lemonade stand, lawn mowing or leaf raking service, etc? You just
might have a budding entrepreneur on your hands. How about a never-ending array
of art projects (that goes beyond the typical coloring page)? Could be a future
artist in your midst. Any musical
ability being demonstrated? Perhaps this
is the area where your child will shine.
We have referred to our oldest daughter as the “camp
director” for several years now because she has the tendency to take charge of
whatever situation she is in. She can
organize things quickly and is comfortable with directing people to complete
specific tasks. An accomplished musician (she sings and plays the piano,
clarinet, and saxophone), she combined her musical talent with her knack for
leadership, and was the worship leader in her church youth group. She is also very good at breaking down
concepts in a way that is easily understood by others. Now that she is in
college, it comes as no surprise to us that she is majoring in education.
Our youngest daughter has always been very sensitive towards
the needs of others and is a natural encourager. She expresses her creativity through drawing,
crafting, cooking, and her music (also an accomplished musician, she sings and plays the piano, flute, and
cello). She loves to perform and really shines whenever she is on stage. She has kept a journal since she was quite young and loves to
write. Recently she began her own blog
with the specific purpose to encourage others. {Feel Free To Quote Me} She also has demonstrated a natural ability for teaching and plans to
major in education when she goes to college.
Along the way, our girls have tried a variety of activities
that have helped in finding their talents.
Sometimes the journey is a process of elimination. But I think the most effective thing we can
do as parents is to pray and ask God to reveal to us those abilities that He
has given our children. We can ask Him
to show us the best way to nurture those gifts and talents. We can pray with our children and help them
to be sensitive to His leading as they are discovering their purpose. Perhaps you will discover something new about
your purpose, too!
“For I know the plans
I have for you," declares the Lord , "plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Every child has their own unique talents and challenges. One of the biggest challenges for me was getting my children to realize everyone has some things that they can do better than others. They thought everything was a contest, and got upset when they were not the best. As they grew, they started to realize that there were some areas they could excel in, and others they were average, and that was OK as long as they were the best THEY could be.
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