Key Scripture:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1

Devotional:

As we go through the different stages of parenthood, we often find ourselves seeking guidance and strength in the face of its challenges. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time for every season in parenting. Let us explore how this timeless wisdom can inspire and guide us in our role as parents.

In the context of parenting, this verse encourages us to embrace the different seasons we encounter as we raise our children. In our household there are many seasons. Some of our favorites are baseball, football and hunting season. But just as these seasons come and go, so do our seasons with our kids.

Parenting is a journey marked by ever changing seasons. From the joys of welcoming a newborn into the world, to the sleepless nights of infancy, to the patience needed during toddlerhood through adolescence, to the transitional period into young adulthood, every phase has its purpose and significance.

Embracing these seasons means understanding that each one holds its own lessons and transformative potential. By accepting and appreciating the present season we are in, we can find peace and joy in the midst of its demands. There are times when we might feel overwhelmed to do everything, all at once, but Ecclesiastes reminds us to slow down, to enjoy the time it takes to go through each phase of life as it comes and to not rush it.

Just as the verse suggests, every season has its appointed time. As parents, we should discern and understand the needs of our children at each stage of their lives. We must adapt our parenting styles accordingly, offering guidance, discipline and support in ways that are fitting to their development and unique needs. Recognizing when to provide freedom and when to set boundaries allows us to cultivate an environment of love, understanding and growth, enabling our children to flourish.

As parents we often feel the weight of responsibility for our children’s future. However, Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a divine timing for everything. It teaches us to trust in God’s plan and surrender our anxieties about the future. By seeking wisdom, praying for guidance and growing our relationship with Jesus, we can find solace in knowing that our kids’ journeys are in His hands. Trusting in God’s timing allows us to let go of control and foster a sense of peace, knowing that God’s purposes will prevail in their lives.

We are excited to walk through the next 21 days with you as we continue to unpack what God has for us as parents in these verses.  We pray that you feel encouraged, supported and most of all know that you are not alone in this journey.

Questions for reflection:

• What season or seasons are you in right now as a parent?
• How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your parenting? 

About the Authors:
As for Me and My House Devos for Parents were written by:
Bret and Lori Newell 

Bret and Lori Newell have been married for 19 years. They met in college at the University of North Florida and were married at Beach United Methodist Church, where they later began to attend the Eleven22 service and get involved in the kid and student ministries. Lori is the Director of the Kids Ministry at Eleven22 and Bret is a partner in Ponte Vedra Palm Valley Real Estate brokerage.  They have two boys who are 16 and 13-years-old.  Although hiking in the mountains is a great, the beach is where they love to call home.  You can find the family on weekends, playing in the waves, relaxing by the pool, watching baseball or headed to one of their many favorite restaurants around town.