Sometimes I get frustrated because I feel like I talk more than I act. I think some of you can relate. Maybe I love thoughts and ideas too much. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with thoughts or ideas, they are after all the genesis of action.
But at some point ideas need to become actions. Jesus didn’t only talk about healing the blind He restored their sight. He didn’t only discuss the lame being able to walk again He healed them. He didn’t analyse the data and determine the most efficient course of action He just fed those who were hungry. Jesus was a man of action.
I know that our responsibility as parents is to raise our kids well. We need to train them in the way that they should go. With all of these thoughts floating in my head we had a brief family meeting on Saturday and discussed this concept with our kids:
For Things to Change I Must Change
Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Maybe, but it requires some self analysis and most of us don’t enjoy that sort of thing. But if we’re going to be the parents God wants us to be then we need to take stock of who we are and where we are because for things to change I must change.
Here are the five things that I want to be:
- Proactive – I want to head for solutions before there are problems. I want to initiate instead of respond. I don’t want to live in fear. Sometimes we don’t want to know the truth because we can’t handle the truth. But our ability to deal with the truth does not change the truth. Since the truth is what it is I want to run to it not from it.
- Responsive – Instead of just talking about things I want to do things. Not just wheel-spinning things but things that help people with real needs. If there is a need I want to help.
- Transparent – I believe that life should be an open book. What you see is what you should get. Words and actions must be in alignment. Transparency leads to trust and trust is a precious gift.
- Kind – As a concept it is easy to be kind but it can difficult as well. But you can make the world of difference with a kind word or deed.
- Understanding – Everyone has struggles and I need to be their ally not their enemy. Life is hard especially for kids and sometimes they just need someone who understands.
These are the five things I am working on. How about you?
Ryan North is the Co-Founder of One Big Happy Home and creator of The Empowered Parent Podcast. He is a recognized expert on childhood trauma, a TBRI Practitioner, and develops training materials for parents, schools, churches, and child-placing agencies. Ryan is a sought-after speaker known for his engaging and practical approach to communicating complex issues clearly and relatable to a wide range of audiences.