Do Hard Things:

We attended the Do Hard Things conference this weekend. What a reminder of what low expectations we have for our children. Why not set the bar higher than we think they can reach, then equip them to reach it? How is it that in just the last 60 years we have gone from a time when children were expected to spend their adolescence growing into mature adults, to a time where "teenagers" are given a 6 year pass to goof off? When we throw a huge party to welcome children into their "teenage" years, what are we celebrating? What have they achieved other than another year of growth? I am all for celebrating the 13th year...as a matter-of-fact, we celebrate this birthday in a big way. This is not because our children have accomplished waking up another 365 times. But instead, when they turn 12 we spend time with them, laying out what a Godly Man/Father and Woman/Mother looks like. We talk about what it takes to become this person and set a plan for accomplishing it. Then at 13, we celebrate a sense of accomplishment along with the spring board to the rest of their life. In essence, we set the bar high and help them reach for it.