December 24, 2009
Since this broadcast will air first on Christmas Eve, on behalf of the board, staff, students and parents at Heartland Christian Academy, let me send your way a prayer for a blessed Christmas celebration and a wonderful time with friends and family. What a privilege it is to honor Christ’s coming into the world.
In recent weeks, we have been exploring the gifts that parents and grandparents can give to their boys and girls, and not just gifts that can be wrapped and placed under a tree! I have suggested that Christian adults modeling a strong spiritual foundation and heritage is a wonderful present given to the next generation. I have recommended the gifts of adventure, creativity, and the love of learning. Last week I laid out ways that you can help your child discover their own unique contribution to our world. These are gifts that can change a child’s destiny.
Today, I am suggesting small things that you can do to make a big difference for a child. Every boy and girl learns eventually that wonderful things can be hidden in very small packages. Just because the gift fits into the stocking on the mantle doesn’t mean it isn’t awesome! So, what are some of those small gifts that can count for a lot?
- Time spent doing what your child considers special or important, even if it isn’t on your own “must do before I die” list. Getting excited about your son’s nondescript rock collection is a gift given. Admiring your daughter’s latest attempt to teach the cat a trick says, “if it’s important to you, it’s important to me.” That’s a gift.
- Paying attention to the details of your child’s world is a gift. Do you know their favorite color? Who are their current heroes? What is their favorite song this week? What is their personal high score on that video game you don’t personally care for? Who is their best friend? Their favorite teacher? Knowing these things is not trivia. If it is important to your child, paying attention to these details is a gift you can give.
- A note, email, text or Twitter message or poke on Facebook, if your older son or daughter participates in those things, can be a gift that says, “I am thinking of you, and I am not afraid of using technology to let you know.”
- Offering opportunities for choices, responsibilities and privileges as they are earned is a gift that says, “I know you are trying hard to grow up, so here is the reward for your effort.”
- Go to their performances, games, and any event that they have put effort into. Your very presence is a gift.
- Give advice without strings attached, and allow for the possibility that your child may have a good idea, too.
- Pray with, for and about your child. Your son or daughter may not know for years what a valuable gift those prayers were, but eventually they will come to understand what a precious gift it is to have a praying mom, dad or grandparent.
Our Heartland Focus broadcast today was sponsored by our good friends at the Buena Vista Ski Resort in Bemidji, celebrating 60 years of winter fun. Please join us December 26th and 27th for our anniversary celebration. Go to bvskiarea.com for hours, specials and conditions.