Deuteronomy 2:3 – Parenting Change Requires New Focus

“You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.—Deuteronomy 2:3

The Israelites had wandered in the wilderness a long time. But now it was time for a change. Parents sometimes feel that way too. God wanted to lead them now toward the Promised Land. It was time to go north. I wonder how they must have felt? We’re going to stop going around in circles and now head north.

Sometimes parents feel like they are going around in circles and not getting anywhere. Yes, maybe the clothes are getting picked up and the dishes are being put away, but kids are still bickering or disrespect is still lingering.

Often parents need to change first before kids will change. And, often that change requires strategy instead of reaction.

The Israelites finally had a plan. They are moving north. In the same way, parents often need to re examine their parenting and ask, “Where do need to go?” Many times parents instead are focusing on where they are. They end up trying to stop the problems they see around them. But amazing things happen when parents focus on where that child needs to go.

When parents practice training a child to become more flexible, often the anger episodes decrease. When parents practice cooperation, the disrespect goes away. Focusing on where we need to go is not only inspiring. It’s productive.

Maybe it’s time to stop going around in circles and start moving toward the goal.

Lord, please show me where north is. Thank you for your Word and the power that it has to give me direction. I pray that you would use your Spirit to show me the path to go. Give me insight to see where I need to focus and what changes I need to make in order to help my family. Amen.

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