Coy was a motivational speaker. He was invited to teach a group of college students some basic skills of success. He had drawn his information and examples from an array of businessmen and women who were considered successful by the world's standards. He employed stories and humor and art to captivate the minds of his audience. To top all of that off Coy used biblical references to demonstrate that many of these successful people had employed simple principles they had learned as children from their parents!
One of those great principles or habits is found right at the beginning of Genesis. Six times God employs the phrase...and the evening and morning. The implication is that every great day of energy and creativity is preceded by an evening of preparation, planning and pleasing rest. Many of Coy's examples have been long forgotten but one thing stands clearly- successful people do not dread tomorrow they simply relax in restful, prayerful meditation and look forward to the challenges of a new day. This is all capped off with a seventh day of rest with God, His people and His Word.
Spend the evening of each day in reflection on the day each child has just completed. They may need to talk about particular challenges they faced or are going to face tomorrow. Give them assurance that you want to be involved in their lives. Listen to their concerns and be ready to help if they ask for it. Resist the urge to tell them how to solve a problem. Ask questions that will lead them to think about godly ways of dealing with difficulties and frustrations.
Remind your children that God promises “that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily” when we observe His laws. Deuteronomy 6:3. It is exciting to see that God is interested in our success.
Ask your children how they can demonstrate their love for God in a situation they face. Deuteronomy 6:5. In this monumental passage, the "heart" is their “inner being” involving their thoughts and emotions. The "soul" is their “life” lived before God and men that demonstrates love in action. Their "might" is the “energy and enthusiasm” with which they face the challenges of the day.
Let those of us who are parents be careful to model these principles in our daily lives as well. There is no greater motivation for our children to practice living the Word of God than seeing us do it before them.
Michael Thornton, Vital Connections 8-26-14