While it's natural to live resentful and selfish because we're sinful, fallen beings, Chuck Swindoll teaches us a better way so we can avoid the way of Jonah and, instead, walk in the way of Jesus.
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Read 2 Timothy 1:1-5
Several years ago someone interviewed the contemporary artist Marc Chagall for a PBS program. The young, arty interviewer started the session with a question about influences. His question was very long and involved and exhibited his own learning along the way, giving everybody, including Chagall, a lecture on the nature of influences on the artist.
When the young man finally gave the artist a chance to answer for himself, Chagall said, in the simplest way, that his greatest influence was his mother. It took the poor young man a bit of time to get his bearings after that.
I know of no more permanent imprint on a life than the one made by mothers. I guess that's why Mother's Day always leaves me a little nostalgic. Not simply because my mother has gone on (and heaven's probably cleaner because of it!), but because that's the one day the real heroines of our world get the credit they deserve. Hats off to every one of you!
More than any statesman or teacher, more than any minister or physician, more than any film star, athlete, business person, author, scientist, civic leader, entertainer, or military hero...you are the most influential person in your child's life.
Never doubt that fact!
There would never have been an Isaac without a Sarah, a Moses without a Jochebed, a Samuel without a Hannah, a John without an Elizabeth, a Timothy without a Eunice, or a John Mark without a Mary.
A mother's influence is so great that we model it even when we don't realize it, and we return to it—often to the surprise of others.
As I think of my own mother's influence on me, two words come to mind: class and zest. My mother, being a classy lady, was determined to keep our family from being ignorant of the arts or lacking in social graces. I have her to thank for my love of artistic beauty, fine music, which fork to use, and no gravy on my tie. She also possessed such a zest for life. I am indebted to her for my enthusiasm and relentless drive. Her indomitable spirit got passed on, thank goodness.
And so, mothers, don't ever forget the permanence of your imprint. The kids may seem ungrateful, they may act irresponsible, they may even ignore your reminders and forget your advice these days. But believe this: They cannot erase your influence.
Think about how your own mother has influenced your life. Have you ever thanked her? Have you thanked God for your mother's influence in your life?
Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
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When the Fun Stops for Parents
For any number of reasons, some adolescents refuse to obey their parents. We apply different measures of discipline, but things only get worse. This is when the fun stops for parents.
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