You formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:13-14).

God has applied beautiful creativity in knitting each child according to his specific design and wonderful purpose. So, the uniqueness of our children shouldn’t frustrate or bewilder us.

God’s creativity encourages parents to tune their hearts to respond to each child in accord with the Lord’s handiwork. We shouldn’t ask our sumo wrestlers to move like ballerinas, nor fail to treasure the talents of artists and athletes, musicians and mathematicians.

Helping children discover God’s unique gifting for their lives is no easy task. That’s why a loving relationship with God is essential to parenting.

As we discern God’s special gifting for our lives, we grow in appreciation for our uniqueness and for how it enables us to parent unique children. We discover why, out of all the parents in the world, God especially chose us for our children.

As Christian parents, our goals are both to reflect our Savior and to help our children do the same. Each time we control our anger, endure being misunderstood, take time for needed attention, absorb an insult, love patiently, discipline firmly, forgive gently, and choose which approach is best for each child and situation, we’re reflecting our personal love for Christ as it is needed for this particular child.

We train children best when we treasure how they were made for God, and how we were made for them!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your beautiful creativity! Help me to celebrate the uniqueness of my children in how I reflect your special love and grace for them.