As a parent, I know the parental desire to see your kids have a successful life. But, are we hurting more than helping by trying to force them into the box we think that success is?

My family and I just saw a really good movie called “The Identical” and part of the storyline in the movie brought me back to something I have been thinking about lately. In the movie, the dad was trying to force his son to follow the same walk in ministry that he was on. I have had the opportunity to speak with youth, as well as parents, and have heard this very thing happening; BUT, we have to realize that our calling is not our kid’s calling and just because we choose a certain path, does not mean it is also their path. This is the same for those in business and other fields.

We, as parents, have to realize that we are not here to choose our kid’s paths for them; but instead, to be an example to help them choose what their path in life might be. For instance, we cannot force our children into the path of college, career and retirement. I have seen parents that have a solid career, think that it’s in the family’s genes for their children to follow their same career path. Then begins the process of forming the children to be like the parent and not who God designed them to be. The fact is, our children are not made in our image or designed to be like us. I know this goes against everything society thinks or is willing to accept; BUT, it does not change the fact that God says in Genesis 1:28 that we are made in His image and likeness, end of story.

We are not parenting to design our children into what we think they should be; BUT instead, we should be living such a Kingdom life before them that they find who it is God has created them to be. I was ministering at a school in Panama and met a young man after the session. We talked for a while and then he pulled out this small sketchpad and handed it to me. I thumbed through the pages and saw that it was packed with drawing after drawing and they were all amazing! He said his parents always told him “he was wasting his time and this would not supply for his future”. He was discouraged to say the least. My heart cried out for this kid and all I could do was encourage him, but before we parted ways, I handed him my Bible and asked him to draw a picture on the inside of the cover. The expression on his face as I asked this was priceless!

Recently, I spent time talking to another young man and his dream is to make music as a career. He is in the same type of situation with his parents; I know there are so many more stories just like these. My question is, if art in whatever form is a waste of time and it is not able to provide financially for one’s future, why are there museums around the world and music stores in almost every city? (Just something to think about!) Instead of trying to design our children, we must help them find themselves, because if we don’t, one day they will face the truth that they have not been true to their dreams or themselves and that is a cold dark place!

I feel a part of really living is taking chances and risking failure. I know that many might be shaking their heads, but that’s OK, because I’m a dreamer. Part of my dream is the blog you are reading now. It’s living proof that dreams do come true! =)

We are ALL created unique and designed with purpose; that’s why it’s so important that we live life on purpose with purpose! There are no do overs and no resets; time is the only thing that really belongs to a person and it’s the one thing we can’t get back once it is gone. So live life to the fullest on purpose with purpose.

That’s it for this week, BUT there is going to be more to come on this topic! I would love to hear back from you below with your comments, suggestions and feedback.
I want to also encourage you to check out the Kingdom Thinking Podcast on iTunes at: http://goo.gl/0kx3Ya ; it would be a blessing if you could let others know about us.
I believe our life is truly meant to be the greatest adventure novel waiting to be written as we live it out. Start living the best life possible NOW on purpose with purpose. Live with no regrets and love without boundaries. Hold nothing back and charge life head on. I am excited for what’s next because the excitement of anticipation and not knowing of what is next is what births each breath in life.
So stand strong, live life loud and bold! Take this new day gladiator style, ruling and reigning it and not letting it reign you.
LivXtrem4Him