Meet Them Where They Are

Day 2 — Meet Them Where They Are

Scripture: Luke 2:52; 1 Corinthians 13:11

Our children don't have the benefit of our years. They haven't experienced all our mistakes or responsibilities—and they're not supposed to. Luke tells us that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature. Growth takes time.

A young child may need reassurance and a simple explanation. A teenager may need space to wrestle with an idea and disagree. An adult child may need us to respect a decision we wouldn't make. The approach changes, but love remains.

In 1 Corinthians 13:11 Paul uses growing from childhood into adulthood as an illustration about partial understanding, not as a parenting manual. Still, it reminds us that maturity develops. Sometimes we forget how long it took us to learn what we now call common sense. Wisdom without patience can sound like criticism.

Reflect: Am I expecting understanding that took me years to acquire?

Practice: Ask whether this moment calls for explanation, space to think, or listening.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being patient with me. Help me guide my children according to their maturity rather than my expectations. Amen.