dogs...

We did it...we caved...this weekend my wife and I adopted a dog. We adopted a lovely Beagle from the Boulder Valley Humane Society. And though we won't likely duplicate what Uno (pictured below) accomplished this year by being the first Beagle to win the Westminster Dog Show...we have high hopes for Nevi, the newest addition to our family.

We attended our first puppy class last night and the primary goal behind the class was to educate owners to be leaders. If you're like me then you've seen Cesar Milan's show, 'The Dog Whisperer' and watched in amazement as he seemingly waves an obedience wand and mesmerizes dogs to follow him. But what he's really doing and where the dog's owners have failed is...Cesar is leading. Our instructor informed the class last night that there are only two positions available...leader and follower. And that dogs need a leader...

I'm fully aware that comparing dogs and teenagers can seem a stretch. But being a leader with your teenager may not be quite the same stretch. The author of Proverbs writes to parents, "Train a child in the way he/she should go (22:6)." Like dogs...teenagers need a leader.

As I awoke earlier than I have all year this morning, shouted the word 'no' at least 26 times within the span of 15 minutes and cleaned up our hardwood floors after Nevi twice in the span of 1 hour I couldn't help but feel crazy! And the thought of raising children creeped into my mind...ha. As parents I want to encourage you with two ways you can continue to 'lead' your children...

1) Proverbs tells us to "train" a child. Another way to understand "train" is to use the word "dedicate." "[Dedicate] your child in the way he/she should go." Rather than shouldering the burden alone...continually dedicate your teens and their lives to the authors of their lives...God.

2) Remember being careful of what to say when your children were repeating everything you said? Things really haven't changed. Genesis 18: 19 reads, "...he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just." They're continuing to watch and immulate you...'where' are you leading your teenager? Want your teenager to be immersed in God's Word...then be immersed in God's Word. Want your teen to be commited to the Body of Christ when they leave your home...then commit yourself to the church. Lead by example. You will be able to direct and lead your children by what you do yourself.

Keep in mind...this morning I did everything I was supposed to do and Nevi continued to chew on Nancy's slippers...so I can only continue to try. There are never fool-proof plans or magic steps to success and wands that turn things right. But you can always continue to try. And my hope is that Aspen Grove Student Ministries can be a source of encouragement and support as you continue to 'lead' your teens. Need something? You can contact us anytime!