Planting Seeds That Last

Faithful parenting is a lot like gardening

Parenting is one of the greatest gifts God has given me, and also one of the most humbling. There are days I feel like I am getting it right, and there are days I go to bed asking God for more wisdom and more patience. If you are a parent, I imagine you know exactly what I mean.

One verse that has encouraged me over and over is this: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, KJV)

I think of parenting like planting seeds. A farmer does not see a harvest the day he plants. He waters, he waits, and he trusts that growth is happening under the surface. Our children are the same. The prayers we pray, the Scriptures we share, and the love we show may not seem to make a difference right away. But God is at work.

Training a child is not just about rules. It is about showing them what a life with God looks like. Our kids learn more from what we do than from what we say. When they see us pray, when they hear us say I am sorry, and when they watch us treat others with kindness, they are learning what faith really looks like.

Here are a few simple seeds you can plant this week. Pray with your children, even if it is just a short prayer at bedtime. Read a Bible story together. Tell them often that God loves them and that you love them too. Give them your full attention, without a screen in the way, for a few minutes each day.

You will not be a perfect parent. None of us are. But you serve a perfect God, and He is faithful to finish the good work He starts.

Closing Prayer: Father, thank You for the children You have placed in my care. Give me wisdom, patience, and love. Help me plant seeds of faith that will grow for a lifetime. In Jesus' name, amen.

Take your next step with Boundless:

Join a group. You do not have to grow alone. Find a small group that fits you at https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/groups

Send a prayer request. Share what is on your heart on our Prayer Wall, and our team will pray with you: https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/prayer-wall

Send a praise report. Has God answered a prayer? Tell us on the Prayer Wall so we can celebrate with you: https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/prayer-wall

Keep reading. Find more posts like this on our blog: https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/blog

By Boundless Writing Team and Dr. Layne McDonald