I don’t know why this is, but when it comes to our kids, we tend to leave them out of the heavy conversations. Maybe that is out of a desire to protect them. Maybe it is because we don’t think they have the capacity to understand. Maybe it is because we undervalue their voice. Or maybe we truly don’t think their opinion has enough perspective or experience to matter. Whatever the reason, I don’t think it works the way we plan.
You may not like this fact, but exempting or protecting your kids from heavy conversations does not protect them from heavy consequence. Those sweet little children – the ones that Jesus tells us to be more like – are going to grow up, make their own decisions, their own mistakes and then face real consequences for those decisions. So why not give them some practice on how that process works while you are still there to help them, guide them and parent them?
One great topic to use for practice might be the Greater Things Project. It is a project that will impact them with new kid spaces where they will have fun, learn about Jesus and invite their own 8 to 15 to join them. So why not invite them into the conversation? Don’t just point to the future dream; bring them into the current cost. Allow them to dream, wrestle, plan, think and speak into this step of faith for your family. You might find yourself intrigued and challenged by their unique perspective.
Here is how you can invite your kids into this conversation:
- Tell them about YOUR 8 to 15
We believe that God has supernaturally and strategically placed 8 to 15 people in our life so that we can share the good news of Jesus with them. Give them names of the people in your life that you are praying over. Tell them how you’ve invested in their lives and how you want to create more space at Rivers Crossing so they can come here.
- Ask them about THEIR 8 to 15
Ask your kids about the close friends that they have in their lives. Then pray over their friends for them and then invite them to pray over your 8 to 15, as well.
- Ask them what they would invest to create a space for their 8 to 15
This might surprise you. This might challenge you. But the win here is inviting them into the conversation beyond the WHAT and letting them know WHY you plan to sacrifice for your 8 to 15.