Be Still And Know

READ: Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT 'My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honour around your neck.' I would be fascinated to know what you remember your parents teaching you. Their words shape the whole of our lives. I remember my father insisting that we show “instant obedience”. I presumably remember it so clearly because we so often failed to do it! I remember my mother giving us great encouragement when we were kind to others. My parents are no longer with us but their influence lives on. I can still hear their words of guidance, encouragement and warning. Since we became foster parents five years ago we have been encouraged to spend a lot of time reflecting on parenting skills. One point that is often and helpfully made is that parents are never perfect, and that what we need to be is “good enough parents”. I like that expression. We won’t always get it right but because of our love for our chil