Bringing Out the Winner
I have had 16 knee surgeries in my lifetime. As you can imagine, I have spent a LOT of time in rehab. The greatest challenge to getting back to normal activity isn’t necessarily strength, although that is VERY important. It really boils down to balance. If your repaired leg isn’t as strong as the other leg, you will always be a little off balance. Another injury is likely to occur.
Over the years, we have dealt with thousands of dysfunctional families, all of whom are in some way out of balance. Why have so many parents and families lost the balance in their lives?
One of the greatest challenges we face as parents is knowing when to be tough and when to be lenient. Too many times, one parent is the easy touch and the other is an immovable hardliner. This issue is magnified when both parents are too soft or too hard. It is an especially tough circumstance when you are a single parent trying to do the job of both parents.
Try following the points below:
- Ask God for wisdom (this is the best start!)
- Pray without ceasing
- Have open communication with your spouse
- Define clear goals
- Communicate those goals to your child
- Keep realistic expectations
- Always be consistent
Nobody has it all together. Just do your best, trusting God for the “balance.”
John Croyle, Founder, Big Oak Ranch
Author, Who You Are/Defying the Circumstances that Define Us, Bringing Out the Winner in Your Child, The Two Minute Drill to Manhood and Raising a Princess, www.bigoak.org
