Do remember the late 80’s movie Dead Poet’s Society with Robin Williams as unconventional English teacher in a private prep school? Well, even if you didn’t see it, the Latin phrase he taught his students is Carpe Diem which means “Seize the Day”.
By the time your child is a sophomore, you may only have two years with them at home. That’s just over 700 days left. What do you need to say to them? What do you want to teach them? What godly principles do you want to model in your life that you hope they grab hold of? Don’t stop trying to engage your teenager in conversation. As their lives get increasingly busy with school, work, activities, even youth group, the opportunities you once had will lessen.
Make the most of the moments you share during the day. If you stop to think about it, you may only have two very small windows before and after school and maybe some time during the weekend.
Even if they shrug, or give short answers, keep at it. Ask good questions (see Thought #91); really listen to their answers (see Thought #89). Be sure they know what you believe and let them see you living it out in your life. Be ready with good answers for your own faith and actions.
Carpe Diem! Don’t waste your precious time with your teenagers. It will be worth it all!
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
in HIS service,
Pastor Mark
P.S. The blog titles and main ideas come from Walt Mueller’s book “99 Thoughts for Parents of Teenagers”. I personalize and modify the message, and also add Scripture.
You can read past posts on our church website HERE.