{Day Three} :: Significance and Security

Before we get to the next few posts in this 31 day challenge, let me make this disclaimer: I don't have kids of my own yet.

I have no idea what it's like to have little ones dependent on me. I have no idea what it's like to make sure their needs are met while molding them into people who will become responsible, respectable, productive adults.

But I was blessed with two incredible parents. And over the last few years - especially my (few) adult years - I've realized they did some things in ways that had a monumental impact on the kind of person I became, on who I am today.

So from the perspective of a kid who's left the home and has come to really appreciate her parents, can I share with you some lessons I learned that I think are really valuable? Ones I hope to emulate in my own family someday?

Okay. Good. Here's the first thing - people need to be confident of their significance and their security.

Another disclaimer: I didn't come up with those exact words myself. I heard my dad say them in a parenting class he taught at church. And another but - he finally put words to something I knew my mom and dad did for my brother and me all the time.

Growing up I never doubted that I was important to and loved and valued by my parents - I was certain of my significance to them. And I never wondered about the stability and steadfastness of that significance.

Sure, there were moments as a kid - especially when I had done something wrong - I thought man, I've really gone and done it this time. But there was no point in my life when my parents ever gave me reason to believe they would stop loving me. In fact, quite the opposite. They constantly assured me they would love me no matter what. Security.

But not only did my parents tell my brother and me we were loved and valued and important, and not only did they assure us it was completely unconditional, they showed us day after day.

Now that I'm out of the house, I see that my parents assured us of those two things not just for our sake or theirs, but to model that kind of relationship God longs to have with us. One that offers love and grace and peace that is in no way dependent on what I do or how I perform or the things I achieve.

And I see that it's not just kids who need to be certain of their significance and security. It's everyone. Adults included.

So let me ask you this: are you certain of your significance and security? Do you treat others in ways that assures them of theirs?