By: Clint Fisher, DEAN OF STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

Justin Whitmel Earley’s presentation on habits at our Campus Meeting/Parent Equipping Night has created echoes and ponderings over what my life and my choices will communicate to my family. I remember a time when one of my daughters was young. She was telling me about something that occurred during her day, but I was looking at my phone. She stopped at one point and said, “Dad, listen to me.” I told her that I was. But she replied, “No, listen to me with your eyes.”

Ouch! I have never forgotten the pain I felt at her seven-year-old cry for my attention and my love.

PRESENCE IS THE MEDIUM FOR COMMUNICATING LOVE

Justin reminded us that…

we become our habits, and our children become us.

So, how can I begin to implement intentional habits, however small, to display God’s love for my children?

Presence is the medium for communicating love. I have already started establishing “focus” times at home. My phone is off, and I am present with each person so that they can feel my love for them from my eyes to theirs.  

Secondly, I am inviting my children into my own Bible reading time. My daughter is more excited to be invited to discuss my own questions about what I am learning than she has ever been to listen to me lecture about a lesson I want to teach her.  

Forming new habits takes time and effort, and as Justin advised, nothing good in life is easy. But remember, you do not have to be the same person you were yesterday. Ask God to help you change your habits and see how He impacts your family. 

Perimeter School Parents, if you missed the Campus Meeting/Parent Equipping Night or would like to listen to it again, check the Week at a Glance for a recording of Justin Whitmel Earley’s presentation.

You can also purchase his book, Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms, here or at the Perimeter Book Store.