What's your Passion

What's your Passion

One of the greatest privileges and responsibilities of parenting is to empower our children to pursue a life of purpose that is centered on God and His plans and designs for their lives. As parents, we desire to help instill in them a passion for God, and to guide them as they discover their own passion for the things that will define and determine their life mission.

Passion is a powerful thing. The question is, what role do we as parents play in how and what our kids develop a passion for? Are we allowing them to “find their passion” and then helping them develop in it, or are we in some ways trying to steer them to things that we would like them to be involved in more for our own sakes than theirs? 

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” Whether you are well on the journey or just getting started, here are a few tips to remember as you seek to inspire the young people in your life:

Observe.

Pay close attention to what your child genuinely likes and dislikes. Observe how they spend their time, and what their unique gifts are. Ask questions to promote reflection: “What excites you about…?” “If you could go anywhere, where would it be?” “If you could be an expert at anything, what would it be?” Help your kids discover what lights them up. Vision flows from passion.

Motivate.

When you take notice of what your child is drawn to, or how they embrace certain interests and activities, bring affirmation to those things. Become their biggest and most consistent cheerleader, even if they choose to pursue something that is outside of your own personal interests or hobbies. Celebrate their natural giftings and when they are working on matters of character, like patience, thoughtfulness, and generosity. 

Empower. 

Help build your child’s passion by seeking opportunities for them to do the things they love to do. If resources are limited in your school or community, brainstorm together what other routes might be available or encourage them to take the first steps in starting a team or club of their own.  

Your child is looking for inspiration, and you are in the right place at the right time to be the inspiration that they need. The best way to answer this call is by filling your own life with passion right before their eyes. If you demonstrate an authentic passion for God, and the ways He has gifted you, your children will be inspired to go and do likewise.

Tim Bonzelaar                                                                                                                                                

Fatherhood Initiatives, Joshua House