Cat By the Tail

Samuel Clemens once said, "A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way."

There is a current trend in education and parenting that believes in strength based growth. This idea refers to continually focusing on the strengths of the child. Although this sounds like an amazing idea, it is lacking. As Mr. Clemens so eloquently stated, we must allow for mistakes because mistakes teach important lessons that can't be learned otherwise. As parents and educators, we must be aware that failure is a reality of life. We are all fallen creatures full of imperfections and true growth is found in facing those imperfections and attempting as best we can to defeat them.

As we encourage your children to identify what God wants for their life, there is an inevitable conclusion that they will have to confront their own imperfections. My prayer for your child and your family is that you would embrace this process of growth. Sometimes it is hard, and sometimes it is painful, but to be completely honest, that is part of the deal. Hebrews 12:1-3 says, "¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

As the writer of Hebrews so eloquently puts it, we must throw off all the things that hinder us and focus on Jesus. That is never easy, but always necessary and rewarding.

In short, push your child and give them opportunities to grow through their difficulties. Help them to identify and wrestle with their own imperfections so that they can become the people God wants them to be.