Key Bible Verse: Listen to your father's instruction. Pay attention and grow wise. For I am giving you good guidance (Proverbs 4:1-2). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 4:20-27

Connecting with your kids about faith, values, and goals will probably propel you into some uncomfortable discussions.

When my wife, Maria, was a freshman in college, she informed her parents that she intended to quit school at the end of the year. This didn't sit well with them, because they'd worked hard to save enough money for her to complete four years of college. Over spring break, Maria's dad asked if she would help him with some roofing work that he was doing on the garage. It wasn't unusual for her to help her dad with projects like this, so Maria climbed up the ladder to the garage roof. "Where do we start, Dad?"

Maria's dad walked over to the ladder and kicked it off the garage—meaning they had no way down. He sat next to Maria and said, "It's time for us to have a talk about you and college."

To make a long story short, after the talk Maria committed to completing college. But what she remembers more than the ladder crashing to the ground was that her dad cared enough to talk with her about her struggles in college. She'll always be grateful that he intentionally involved himself in her life struggles.

—Mark Holmen in Faith Begins at Home

My Response: How can I get involved in what my child is struggling with right now?

Thought to Apply: My best principal gave teachers this admonition regarding teenagers: "Treat them as adults, but don't expect them to act that way."—R. LOWELL DAVEE

Adapted from Faith Begins at Home (Regal, 2005) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, You've appointed me to be Your ambassador to my family. Help me to faithfully represent You.

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