What to do when 'Your Kid's Not Perfect' – Character Counts!

It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your children to the Jones’.  Just as no two people are created alike, as parents, we need to give our kids room in the areas that God deems as important so they can bloom and grow.  We also need to remember that character counts!

My Kid Isn’t Perfect —- What DOES Matter!

Character Counts

“Tommy’s” (name changed to protect the innocent) handwritting is sloppy, he writes slow and it’s quite an effort for him to write 5 paragraph paper.

At first, I panicked thinking, “How will this child get along in life?”  ”We’ve got to do some remedial work – and FAST!”

Then I witnessed an incident that put it all into perspective.

While my children were at the Dojo, I watched as the instructors, all of whom are strong Christians, worked with the students.  No doubt that each of these men could inflict serious damage!  Instead, they exhibited kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience and most of all self-control.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Then the students broke off into pairs to work on skills.  There was a mix of ages, sizes and experience.  I was thrilled to see the older/bigger kids exhibit the same fruit they had been taught.

Kindness

Goodness

Gentleness

Patience

Self-Control

I watched as “Tommy” (the oldest and biggest of the bunch) worked with the smallest student – a high spirited, spunky little girl.

I heard him speak words of encouragement, help her find her footing, and showed patience with her when she lost her focus.

It was then that I stopped and wondered if it really mattered whether or not these adult instructors had neat handwriting, or could rattle off a 5 paragraph paper……

What I do know is that they are an example of Godly fruit and instruction which in turn enabled the students to exhibit the same fruit to others.

I concluded that while neat handwriting and writing skills can be worked on, it’s really not as important as character.

So, while “Tommy” may not be perfect, it’s more important to continue on the quest we’ve started and concentrate on what really matters….Character and his relationship with God!

And THAT’S what counts!