Silver Platters

I believe that the Lord gives us (and so do our children!) special opportunities to build into their lives. We might also refer to them as “teachable moments,” those moments ripe for training, connecting, and reinforcing life lessons. It is so important that we are watchful as parents to recognize these opportunities when they present themselves. As Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, they may pop up anywhere and anyplace, so be prepared to grab hold of these special occasions.

Often though, we can find ourselves distracted or even unaware of what our children are doing, thinking, or feeling. It is wise to evaluate how attentive we are able to be and why. Certainly a new baby in the family or even unusual demands of life, commitments or ministry opportunities can “bottleneck”; but how do we typically respond to these opportunities and what is our long-term goal for building a lasting connection and relationship with our children? 

Sometimes these special opportunities may call for discipline or full-circle intervention (as explained in Entrusted with a Child’s Heart, pp. 210-212 and 249). Sometime we miss meeting a simple need, a “call for help” or dismiss an act of disobedience/poor attitude because we don’t believe it is serious enough or important enough to warrant our attention at the time. As a result we often miss the opportunity presented. We may think, “If it is a big enough deal, it will come back up.” And to be sure, it does, as a bigger deal.

Has your toddler just reacted to your discipline with a cry of "You don't love me!"
Has your middle schooler just asked you if you ever tried drugs?
Has your teenager mentioned a certain someone of the opposite sex that has caught their eye?

Any of these comments can easily get lost in the busyness of a typical day but they are truly priceless opportunities not only to teach our children important principles, but also to continue to build that precious connection.

It takes time to be watchful. It takes practice to be careful listeners and intentional trainers. I like to think of these teachable moments as “silver platters” presenting us with golden opportunities for building into our children. As you observe your children today, see if they are holding out a silver platter of opportunity to you. Take full advantage of these times by stopping what you are doing, going to them, and addressing the situation. And may the Lord bless that precious connection between you.

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Proverbs 25:11, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances."

Deuteronomy 6:6-7, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”