See, Hear, and Support the Gift
Today’s reflection hit me while searching the house for an extra Bible for one of my daughters.
Instead, I found a different book I thought she might like — something that reminded me how many stories, tools, and dreams hide on our shelves. My wife and I have books everywhere, replaced by “more important” things like my action figures.
It made me pause: When our kids look back, what will they remember about how we supported their dreams?
When I was young, I loved to draw. I wanted to study Architectural Engineering, but the school that accepted me was “too close to home.” I settled for another college, another degree — one I’ve never used. Life went on, but a quiet “what if” followed me.
Parents, are we hearing, seeing, and discerning the gifts God placed in our children — or are we steering them toward something safer? Maybe you’re exhausted from the trial and error, or frustrated by the cost. But every attempt, even the failed ones, helps them discover who they are. And if we believe God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider, then He’s able to fund their purpose too.
Buy the book.
Show up at the recital, the practice, the spelling bee.
Die to yourself so your child can live abundantly.
Give them the chance to look back without regret — to thank God for your sacrifice instead of wishing you’d believed in them more.
And for the sports parents — be careful not to relive your own dream through theirs. I think about that commercial where a boy kept getting crushed on the hockey rink. After the game, he told his dad, “I don’t want to play hockey. I want to dance.” Next scene, he’s smiling, dancing with his friends. That kid will grow up without regret. Will yours?
After college, I tried again. I enrolled in architecture school but dropped out after one semester — tired, burned out, chasing bills. My window had closed.
Let’s not close the window on our kids.
Takeaway: Every gift deserves room to breathe — trust God to make it plain.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” — James 1:17
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10
What gift do you see in your child right now that you’re praying over?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
