Boldly Go

By Hally Franz –

“To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before.”

As the 13th motion picture of the Star Trek franchise is scheduled for a 2016 release, this charge still elicits thoughts of the unknown, adventure, danger, courage and fear. Only persons uniquely equipped qualify for those missions. Only the very elite dare travel to such untold places.

Likely the most significant unknown many of us will enter is the adventure we call parenting. Unfortunately, though, that particular journey is not always faced with the bold confidence displayed by our favorite Star Trek heroes. In fact, sometimes the bombardment of expert parenting information, unnerving financial expectations, and frightening news-making scenarios leave parents disabled and dumfounded. And, potential parents, after a bit of exploration, may decide to avoid the proverbial parenting abyss altogether.

Let’s consider these confidence killers. It’s great to read the latest advice in preparation for the birth of a child, but it’s equally important for young parents to keep things in perspective. The little fellows are resilient, and a precisely-orchestrated bedtime routine or an ergonomically-correct binky won’t matter much in the scheme of things. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Now, who of us hasn’t gotten caught up in the idea that kids need a perennial birthday bash or new clothes each school year (whether old ones fit or not) or a periodic room re-do or the newest phone or… or… or… It’s tough! We need to fight those feelings and get over it. They don’t!

The final threat to bold parenting is fear. Parents just can’t shake off worries about our children’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Rather than trying to escape terrifying thoughts, we should simply cling to His word for reassurance.

The Bible offers clear instruction about parenting. We are to love, train, discipline, and provide for our children. These four simple, and not entirely simple, tasks work together in the process of child-rearing. He prescribes this combination of ingredients to parents throughout time, and none of us should neglect or favor one component over the other.

While parents will, not may, encounter difficulties along the way, we should proceed boldly into the parenting realms with Him at our side.

PRAYER: Thank You, Heavenly Father, for parenting instruction provided in Your word. May we set aside doubts and fears, and courageously parent. For we are fully armed with Biblical guidance, fully supported by Your love.

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28 KJV).