Finding Their Dolphin

Yesterday afternoon I took my children to see A Dolphin Tale--which I highly recommend. The story is full of beautiful and heartwarming moments. One of the central points, however, is how the lead character, Sawyer, blossoms as a result of discovering a passion.

It got me thinking about the difference having a purpose makes in a person's life. Being needed, discovering a gift, finding something to live for--I think as adults we can all agree these things are essential to our emotional health and well being. But the thought of what impact this has on children...well, frankly, I think we miss that sometimes.

My R has been going through some growing pains this year. First grade seems to be a year when boy pecking order is being established. He likes to feel knowledgeable, important and like a leader. He is in a class without either of his siblings--so his role in the trio has not quite translated into where he is in a class full of boys. P & K have each established pretty distinct personalities. R seems to still be trying to figure his out--and it is an often frustrating process.

I am realistic enough to know that very few 7 year olds know who they are or what God's call on their life will be...that can take additional decades. Yet, I believe strongly that I have a responsibility to help them seek, discover and pay attention to the clues along the way. Being their cheerleader means looking for the lessons as they are unveiled--one season, one grade level, one new experience, one success or one failure at a time. The key thing is to keep reminding them that they were created by a Sovereign Maker, on purpose and with a purpose.

Being a mother means providing our children a soft place to land when they fall and the shelter of unconditional love in the midst of life's inevitable storms-- but that's not all. We must give our children courage to try, eyes to see and pray for their hearts to know and follow hard after Him.