different: how God uses parenting to transform us wholly

by Wick Anderson

(from the introduction of “ How God Uses Parenting to Transform Us Wholly”) “..The truth is, even though as a young parent you know there are moments in everyday life we need to be soaking in, “treasuring”, because they will pass…most of us want more than something vaguely sentimental. What if 10 years from now, when we walk past someone feeding their baby mashed peas at the mall play area, instead of thinking “I miss those days.” we could actually think to ourselves “I remember the incredible difference those days made in my life.” ? I’m a youth pastor, and by nature of my profession and heart, I spend a lot of my time talking with teens and adults about areas of growth in following Jesus. Many of the ways we find helpful to growing in our faith are referred to as “disciplines” because we have to work at them. These things don’t come naturally, but as they are practiced, offer quite a bit to who we are becoming. Praying regularly. Reading the scriptures. Attending worship, in a community centered on Christ. One of the most significant moments in my life came, when realizing how much parenting offered as a “spiritual discipline”. When I opened the door to parenting as more than just a way to actively raise my children, or passively survive having kids at home; embraced it as something that God could use to transform me as well…and well, I’ve never been the same. I’ve been DIFFERENT ever since. In Revelation 21:5, God declares “Behold, I am making all things new!” I believe he allows us to join him in that “making all things new”, and that parenting offers much in regard to bringing redemptive transformation, both to us, and the world we live in. I invite you to open that door with me, not as someone who is looking back saying “I’ve done it all perfect, follow me.” but rather as someone in the trenches saying, “Wow, this can really be used by God to transform things…”Self-published while in the trenches of my first years of parenting, this book offers young parents some helpful thoughts as they begin a similar journey. You may also notice - parenting doesn't leave much time for grammar or spelling perfection. :)

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2011