'A Flying Child'

"Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice. My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways." Proverbs 23:25,26

Beach Volleyball is one of the most successful and popular, competitive and recreational sports in the world. It is fast, it is exciting, it is explosive!

--Understanding the rules, allows better play- coaches can create team structure and tactics, allowing players full rein to display their skills.

--Understanding the relationship between rules allows officials to make better decisions.

Competition highlights hidden strengths. It exposes the best of ability, spirit and creativity. The rules are structured to allow all of these qualities. Beach Volleyball allows all players to operate both at the net (in attack) and in the back of the court (to defend or serve). It is, however, unique amongst net games in insisting that the ball is in constant flight which is known as 'a flyin ball' amongst its competitors.

You know, Beach Volleyball is a lot like parenting. When raising our children the two of us (parents) are a team. Now if we compare ourselves to the game of Volleyball we represent both teams, the official and the fans, the ball...is the child.

We can be successful when we use the 'rule book' (Bible) as our guideline. The 'coach' is God, He gives us strategies, designs the plan, and keeps us focused on winning. He calls time out when we need a break and instruction when we lose our way. He gives encouragement when we are down and correction and discipline when we are in need. We must be linked together as one with Him.

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." (Prov. 16:3)

When we are organized and prepared we understand what to expect from one another. We know where each other stands and what we believe is right in rearing our children. We move and operate as one team; never divided. When the rules are in place and agreed upon by both of you, there is never a question from the ball (child) which direction he is expected to go. The skills he will possess will depend on the boundary lines and smooth direction you both will move your family unit in.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." (Prov. 22:6)

As parents when you both know and understand and agree on 'the rules' you set, you create a safety net for the child that will stand as a reminder that mom and dad love each other and will always work together in making him feel secure. The object of the 'game' is to keep the ball (child) in play (don't let him hit the ground and don't let him go out of bounds). We cheer, support and encourage our children in every phase of their life. Building them up for success, instilling in them love and acceptance from each of us and preparing them for life outside our home.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Prov. 3:6)

When there is healthy boundary lines set in place early on and consistency in keeping to the rules with good communication between the parents and their child, he becomes confident in who he is and is more able to demonstrate his self-confidence, creativity and a healthy outlook on the important place he holds in his family that brings about a healthy, thriving adult, which is our goal, right?

"To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding." (Prov. 1:2)

There is one crucial thing we do not need in parenting that is needed in Volleyball which is a scoreboard. When you work together as one there is no keeping score of what one does more than the other, or gaining favor with your child through trying to bend the rules which will only create instability and dysfunction in the child. It also causes him confusion in who he can trust when your goal is for him to be able to trust in you both and the system you have prayerfully provided for him together.

"So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners." (Prov.1:19)

So suit up, get your game faces on, be tough (but not too tough) and get ready to 'serve up' the best life your children could ever ask for. They will thank you for it!

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, I pray for my children as they find their way in raising their babies. May they always seek You and work always as one in Your name loving and caring for their children. Help Dana and I know how to be a healthy support in what they set out to do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.