December 10, 2009
Last week we started a series on gift giving: specifically the gifts that you can pass on to your children as their parent, grandparent, and the primary educator in their life.
We looked at the gift of a strong spiritual foundation, given by godly adults through the example of their own life and the knowledge and tools needed for strong spiritual growth in a young person’s life.
We will also be looking at such precious commodities as an awareness of God-given talents and abilities, motivation and encouragement, and the ability to set realistic, but challenging, goals for the future.
Today, explore with me the priceless gift of a love of learning, creative imagination, and sense of adventure. God has created your child with a wonderful mind and the ability to ask questions, discover answers and imagine possibilities. God has placed the key to unlocking that capacity in your hands.
First, it is a wonderful thing when parents or grandparents are lifelong learners themselves. The example of an adult who still studies, still reads, continues to develop new interests and demonstrates creativity is a wonderful model for children to follow. Children need to know that growing in knowledge and understanding, wisdom and creativity is not tied exclusively to a schoolhouse, nor are they something that one leaves behind at graduation. Parents or grandparents who are still on the cutting edge of learning can prove that principle to be true. Not every adult can be an avid reader or researcher or writer, but they can show by example that they are still excited about learning. Boredom and disinterest are not gifts that you want your children to open.
I have met children whose fire for learning has been nearly extinguished, oftentimes due to educational institutions that focus on tests, grades and performance to the exclusion of learning just for the joy of it. It is such a pleasure to hear a parent fan that flame of learning by honestly asking what new thing their son or daughter has learned, accomplished or even imagined that day. I truly believe that parents, along with teachers, have within their power the ability to either enhance or quench the natural desire to learn, experience and imagine that God has created within children.
Adventure enhances learning, which is why I encourage the teachers at Heartland to pursue meaningful field trips to accompany their lesson plans. Some schools have abandoned field trips due to logistical or even insurance issues. I sense the loss for those children. But even if your children attend a school where adventures are rare, you can provide those opportunities as a parent. And adventures do not need to be complicated or expensive. A trip through the woods or even bringing a child to work can make for unforgettable memories and a motivation to learn.
Finally, how do you handle the questions that your children ask? Boys and girls are known for asking tough questions, I know. But do you take their questions seriously? Do you encourage the seeking of answers? Do your children even know the tools and resources available for expanding their knowledge?
Our Heartland Focus broadcast today is sponsored by our friends at Northern Safety and Security, celebrating ten years of protecting northern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota.