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Here’s a fun exercise that will change your parenting. Read the excerpt below from John Eldridge’s book Waking the Dead. Now make a list of everything you love about each of your children. If you really want to have fun, do he exercise with your spouse. Involve your kids. No negative thoughts or comments. Just a list of pure love.
As Eldridge says, love makes a heart come alive. It’s true. And love makes a family come alive too!!
Here’s the excerpt.
“Everything you love is what makes a life worth living. Take a moment, set down the book, and make a list of all the things you love. Don’t edit yourself; don’t worry about prioritizing or anything of that sort. Simply think of all the things you love. Whether it’s the people in your life or the things that bring you joy or the places that are dear to you or your God, you could not love them if you did not have a heart. Loving requires a heart alive and awake and free. A life filled with loving is a life most like the one that God lives, which is life as it was meant to be (Ephesians 5:1–2).
Of all the things that are required of us in this life, which is the most important? What is the real point of our existence? Jesus was confronted with the question point-blank one day, and he boiled it all down to two things: loving God and loving others. Do this, he said, and you will find the purpose of your life. Everything else will fall into place. Somewhere down inside we know it’s true; we know love is the point. We know if we could truly love, and be loved, and never lose love, we would finally be happy. And is it even possible to love without your heart?”
Enjoy the exercise! Remember, nothing negative. Just a list for each child what you love about them.
Want to send us your lists? Send them to info@crazycoolfamily.com. If we publish one of your lists – we won’t publish any names, of course – then we will send you a $25 Chick-Fil-A gift card.
