"You've got to believe in something..."

These two videos are from Soul Pancake via YouTube. The first one is a letter from a dad to his kids, and the second is an open letter to moms.

Click the link if the video doesn't appear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn4dXuev-nA&list=PLzvRx_johoA8U7WtTDwXrqW1mPi7xTwwh&feature=share

Click the link if the video doesn't appear. 

http://youtu.be/pQ4Rnba85o8

5 things I appreciated about the videos:

1. They show just how important moms and dads are to their kids. 
2. They both recognize the hard work it takes to be a great mom and dad; and, the hurts and joys that come along with that job. 
3. They talk about how important community is to our parenting, and to our kids. We need people to support us as parents, and encourage our kids. 
4. In "Letter To My Kids" the dad says, "You have to believe in something bigger than yourself." What he lands on is good, but I think there is something bigger and more transformational to believe in. --> That's Jesus, btw.
5. "Living for others is the secret sauce." So true. Pretty sure Jesus said something like that once too. ;)  

I know that as Christian parents these videos don't speak to the full extent of the truth they're hinting at. But, they are a good reminder and expression of how important we are as parents to our children and our spiritual children (those kids and teens in our churches). I really believe that Moses offers the full spiritual weight of these same insights in Deut. 6:4-9

... 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. ... 

Check out the whole chapter, and pray this prayer everyday with me: 

Lord, thank you for my children (biological / adopted/ spiritual). Help me to know you more each day, so that I can share you with them. And, that they would know you, life in you, and make you known in their world.