INTRODUCTION
Parenting matters so much. We learned from what our parents did right and we can also learn from what they could have done better. Thankfully we also all have a perfect Heavenly Father who heals, instructs, loves, restores and helps us in our role as children (applies to us at all ages) and also as parents and grand parents (if applicable). Parenting is about noticing and loving, both of which are needs vastly needed. Let’s allow the Lord to use us to meet those needs all around us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Name some traits of your Heavenly Father.
Paul referred to Timothy as his “dear son.” That term gives us a window into how Paul felt about Timothy and how Timothy must have experienced the influence of Paul in his life. Describe an authority in your life who positively influenced you with their tender care.
Can you name a time you noticed a need you could meet for someone and then connected with them in a meaningful way?
Can you name a time you felt valued, noticed, or seen by someone that really impacted you in a profound way?
We all desire and crave attention. We have all gone to unhealthy ends to get attention. What do those who need/want your attention need to do to get it?
There are certainly people you pray for because you want the best for them. Are there people in your life that could have some of those prayers answered through choices you could make that would benefit them? What are those choices you could make?
Confidence is both built and eroded through relationships. How do you build confidence and value in those around you?
Being desired and wanted is a basic human need. How do those around you experience your desire for them to be around you?
Where do your expressions of faith (great or small) lead those who notice, watch, or mimic you?
What do those around you think you expect of them?
Do those expectations accurately reflect your values?
How do you celebrate when your expectation are met?
How do you respond when your expectations are not met?
MOVING FORWARD
None of us live in a vacuum. We are all affected by those around us and we also affect those around us. Once we are willing to embrace those facts we start to lean into opportunities to have impact that can be significant. Learning from how others affect(ed) us is a huge teacher and motivator to spur us towards effective and godly impact on those around us. Embrace your influence and leverage it for the best possible outcomes for those around you. Your life matters. Your influence matters. It is never too late to adjust or improve.