WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT FEB 14-20, 2021
On this “week of love”, we want to encourage you, both children and parents/guardians. We want you to know that you are loved and that we can all change the world one person or family, at a time by loving each other.
Children. You are loved. Maybe you won’t feel it every day, maybe people won’t say it aloud to you or maybe you’re not living with people you love. But put that all aside and know that you are loved by God. No matter what you’re going through, He placed people in your life from parents to grandparents, and even good friends who care about you. You are deeply loved. And if you wonder why you could love so much and yet not feel the same reciprocated, I just want you to know that you are seen by God and nothing planted by His love is ever wasted.
This week, show love to your family, your parents or guardians, siblings and good friends by applying this ‘love’.
L- love others the way God loves
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
We will never be perfect but if we ask God to help us, He will help us live out these characteristics to love our family and friends better.
O- obey your parents/guardians with a happy heart
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 3:1-3
Obedience should be an outcome or physical evidence of your love to your parents and guardians. Obeying with joy is much more valuable than any branded gift you could buy.
V- validate your emotions but grow through them, don’t hold onto them
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
There may be times when people don’t see what you’re going through or ignore your signs for help. Don’t bottle those emotions in and think that no one cares. God sees and He cares. He wants you to know that your feelings are valid but He doesn’t want you to stay in an emotional puddle. He wants you to grow. Feel then fix your eyes on Him.
E- express the emotions you validate but learn to communicate
With that said, express yourself but don’t expect that everyone you talk to will understand what you’re expressing. Express in the right place (media isn’t always the best place) and communicate. Tell your parents why it hurts. Tell your lola or lolo why you’re scared. Tell your siblings you need help. Express and communicate.
Love more and see how your life changes. Overcome these challenges as one.
Parents/Guardians. You are loved. Maybe you won’t always hear your children say it, maybe you won’t always see it in their actions or in your partner’s actions. But that doesn’t mean love is absent. Love is more than the physical actions or the words you hear. These are evidence of the love inside. And so I encourage you to love the way God loves you and believe that every seed planted in love will grow and become good fruit in the lives of your children and your family.
Here’s a ‘love’ for you too.
L- love as God loves
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
This is applicable to all. God loves all of us and so if you ask Him, He will help you. He will help you love your siblings, your spouse, your parents, and your children. He will help you grow in this character and love more and love better. Just don’t give up.
O- observe and listen
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
Out of the busyness of life, it can get easy to miss out on the small things. As a parent, there are many things children go through nowadays that they can’t just survive but have to thrive. And they can’t grow through and thrive without you. They need your time, your listening ear. Just as you need the same. Observe and see how fast they grow and listen to the stories and emotions that are shaping your children. They need you.
V- validate your emotions and your family’s
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
There is more responsibility on your shoulders. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get through everything. You can love your children and your spouse while taking care of the family, working, and dreaming. It is possible. Validate what you all feel, know what you all feel then fix your eyes on things above and learn to fix your thoughts on things above, pleasing thoughts. Don’t let the negative overpower you. You are strong.
E- Express and communicate
You are human too. You feel, you worry, you work hard. When you feel overwhelmed, tired, lost, or worried, take the time to pause an express yourself. Cry, write, sing, talk, gently express yourself. And then communicate. Tell your family, your parents, your siblings, your spouse what you feel and listen to what you need to let go of or do better in. Tell God what you feel and listen to what He has to say. He speaks to everyone but not everyone is listening.
Love every day and see your family grow better together. We overcome challenges together, after all.
Blessings!
PRECIOUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DAVAO