PAUSING FOR PARABLES
“WAIT! Stay right there so I can cross the street with you!” I shouted to my then grade school kids who were testing out their new scooters. Our neighbors in San Francisco were about to be regularly regaled with giggling girls racing down the sidewalk attempting to reach the playground first. It took several attempts, but after some training and practice, our daughters were apt navigators of the neighborhood, following the yielding protocol we had taught them as we encouraged their burgeoning independence on our block.
It’s funny how a new ride can transform an average trip to the local playground, grocery, library, or park from mundane to magical. What is the secret sauce to motivating our kids to choose wisely and take recommended actions? It’s ethereal really – just when we think we know how our kids tick, God helps them grow into a new phase and we need to learn anew how to parent our little people.
In our parenting, we’ve done our best at following the paradoxical adage, “Slow down so you can speed up.” As our daughters reached a new developmental stage (or hopefully beforehand) we did research, talked to parents of kids older than ours, read books, observed our daughters’ tendencies, prayed, and engaged in conversations together to decide how we were going to approach the variety of “new” in each stage. Research takes time. Prayer takes intentionality. But the results are oh - so - worth it! By slowing down to learn and discern each child’s story, as time passed, we were generally able to speed up to establish successful rhythms and decision-making.
Jesus calls us to learn at His pace. Throughout His ministry on earth, He regularly stopped and told stories, teaching people through parables. Storytelling takes time, at least more time than downloading direct information – whether from a parent or from the Google or AI machine. And if we are honest, we like stories much more than dry information. Jesus knows that our brains respond to stories, and we are more likely to bring that learned information from head to heart if we’ve heard a story or interactively been part of a story.
So parenting becomes richer, and has an indelible impact if we pause for parables. Note that I didn’t say parenting becomes easier, or faster (at least initially). Wearing the creative storytelling hat takes energy. If you have a creative parent or adult in the house, I highly recommend that you enjoy the process of creating your own stories. Bedtime stories are extra fun, even if we are nearing the end of our daily parenting capacity. HOWEVER, there’s GOOD NEWS! The best storyteller is Jesus, and we can borrow His stories!
He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed....Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables Mark 4: 2-3, 9-11 NIV (The Parable of the Sower is also found in Luke 8 and Matthew 13)
This parable of the sower is a favorite in our home. We need to be repeatedly reminded that as parents, we are cultivating the soil of our kids’ hearts – so that when we sow seeds of God’s truth, we can pray that they will receive the sincere meaning behind the story and the fruit of the Spirit will grow in their life. All because they are open to hearing the parable and its wisdom.
We can also tap into stories written by excellent authors which will spark conversations with our kids and teens – stories that will challenge us and encourage us to live and grow closer to Jesus. If you need recommendations on good stories or authors, talk to parents you respect and they’ll likely give you an earful of ideas. I’ve included a few links below of our family favorites.
Finally, it’s totally worthwhile to help your sons and daughters to write their own stories! Slow down enough to assist even the youngest child to draw a picture and ask them to tell you about it. Write the stories down as they narrate them to you. Encourage older kids to write for at least 10 minutes a day on a story and then on the weekend ask your children to read their stories aloud. You will gain insight into what topics pique their interest. That helps on the next library visit as you discern which books to direct them toward and guides you to read the best passage of scripture for your children to hear in this season.
Parents, most importantly, help your family experience Jesus’ love through story in your own unique way and rhythm. Invest your time slowing down to hear God speak about what’s important to YOUR family, and emphasize the values you hold dear. What you put your time into will reap a harvest. I have confidence that, with Jesus at the center, your family will create a bounty of love.
Grace and peace,
Annikki
Bible Story Resources for Parents:
A Few of the Dighe Literature Favorites:
What Epic Kids are learning in May:
Sunday Gatherings
In Person & Online:
9:00 AM • 10:30 AM • 12:00 PM
SoMa • 414 Brannan St. San Francisco, CA 94107
