Speaker: Rick Enloe

Theme: The Kid Factor

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Hosanna (Praise Is Rising) - Paul Baloche, God Is With Us - Michael Olson, Cannons - Phil Wickham, Lead Me to the Cross - Hillsong

Read: Ephesians 5:22-28, Ephesians 6:1- 4 

Think: This Sunday we heard from guest speaker Rick Enloe. Continuing the series ‘I want a new marriage’ this week we looked at ‘the kid (or no kid) factor’ 

Every day we see how children are affected by the way they are raised. As Rick reminded us on airlines we hear the emergency announcements “please place your mask on yourself before helping someone else.” As parents that has implications for our marriage. The best thing we can do for our kids is to model a healthy, respectful, loving marriage to their other parent. 

I was told early on in my parenting life to make sure I made time for my husband, it sounded so easy! Then life got in the way as it does. Between work, children, family, friends and church time alone together seemed to slip down the priority list. We both knew our marriage was top of long term priorities but soon realized that our marriage and relationship also had to be a short term priority or it began to suffer and so did our children. It was only when we set aside time for each other, no matter how tired or difficult it was to do, did we start to rebuild our own relationship as husband and wife not just parents. As a result our parenting improved and our children got to see how a marriage should work and have a safe place to grow. Despite all their cringes I know they prefer displays of affection from us to shouting and disagreements. 

Do: Take some time to be with your partner today to build your relationship with each other so you can set a parenting example together. 

Pray: Father, thank you that you have given us a partner in parenting and we are not doing it alone. Please help us to remember to give the other person the respect and attention they need each day and to give our children a healthy place to thrive in. Amen 

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

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