Contagious

​“Don’t touch that!” “Wash your hands!” “Cover your mouth when you cough!” How many times have you said those things the past few months as we have been dealing with the start of the winter cold season? We are always so focused on keeping our kids from getting around any kinds of germs that are contagious!

Here’s a new thought for the New Year! How about deliberately exposing your kids (and yourselves) to contagious situations?! Sounds crazy, right? I remember when my oldest was little, we deliberately exposed him to our friend’s child who had chicken pox, so we could get it over with while he was younger and it wasn’t as dangerous (yes, I’m that old that we didn’t have chicken pox vaccines back then!) As you approach the new year, what about intentionally exposing your children to some positive contagious attitudes?

What attitude do you want your children to “catch” this year?

Want them to have a more grateful spirit? Look for potential friends for your children whom you have seen be appreciative for their blessings and not demanding and whiny.

Want to see your kids demonstrate a more compassionate heart for their siblings? Invite a family over from your church whom you have seen giving to others in need even when they are struggling themselves.

Want them to be excited about learning? Consider your attitude about learning new things. You know your kids spend more time with you than anyone else. Are you excited about learning new things and seeking out new books to read? Are you sharing with them your wonder of God’s creation when you go on a nature walk and you see some new plant or new cloud formation in the sky? Are you seeking to surround yourself with people who inspire you to learn more so that you can in turn inspire your children to learn more?

Do you want your kids to be filled with peace and an ability to conquer anxiety? Provide opportunities for your children to be stretched with responsibilities that are just a bit out of reach and don’t protect them every minute. Give them room to fail, so they can “catch” the attitude that God is still in control in their lives even in the tough times. Share with them about the struggles you are going through and how God is filling your heart with peace.

As we know, our role as parents is very influential! God gave us a very important job. The question shouldn’t be “Am I contagious?” but “Am I spreading germs that I want my child to catch?”  In the New Year, take a look in the mirror and make sure that you are showing attitudes that you want your children to “catch.” If you are aren’t exhibiting a positive contagious spirit, take to heart the words of Paul to the Corinthians:
 
“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.”
(1 Corinthians 11:1-2)

Let’s spread a “Christ-like Flu” in 2019!

In His service,
​Susan Truman

---