This year caught us all by surprise. We had no idea that society would shut down for several months, that graduation ceremonies would be canceled, or that toilet paper would become a luxury item. Yes, the new Roaring Twenties have, in fact, been roaring at us.
Our children might understand bits and pieces of the pockets of mayhem around them, but they might not be processing the picture as a whole. They might not even know the questions to ask, and we, as parents, might not even perceive they need to be answered. The longer I am a parent, the more I find these two statements to be true: 1.) Children are more aware and perceptive than they usually share, and 2.) children yearn for straightforward honesty from their parents first before any other source.
Because we live with this little audience looking for guidance, we must not neglect the opportunity to be there for these precious ones. Filling our homes with truth-saturated songs and occasionally pulling out a lyric of reassurance or asking a subtle question will help us engage with our children on a deeper level even during uncertain times. Quality hymns and songs speak to every part of human existence, so these heavier issues are bound to arise, and when they do, the resulting conversation is so much more organic.
For instance, Lauren Daigle’s “Trust in You” and MercyMe’s “Even If” both speak to navigating the world through faith in the Lord even when answers and full pathways are not clearly evident. A conversation of faith in God’s good character may ensue, and the songs will cause the truth to be stickier in little hearts and minds than a passing conversation. What an opportunity be the influence in your child’s life! Do not think that your preteen or teenager has forsaken your advice and confidence entirely! This unique time in history gives you the platform to build even more credibility with your growing children by the way you engage with them and support them when the world feels so chaotic. If you are not afraid to speak openly with your children, they will learn to come to you when they need to work out their own worldviews.
Think about what you need to hear right now. We all need a strong, calming voice to say, “Things are okay. The world is not out of control. There will be an end to the mess, and life will continue. You have hope because this is not all there is.” Now take a moment to consider that your children need to hear the same words. How can you give this to them? How can you approach this subject in a gentle way that will yield a deeper relationship? The songs that have touched your heart in recent days are waiting to be shared with your children. In a moment of vulnerability, you might give your children a glimpse into your interaction with current events and open that door to a genuine conversation.
Our children are the future leaders of our world. We have the privilege of parenting them and thereby molding the future of society. We must sing with them and talk with them and guide them. Your place in their lives is so important.
What songs have supported you during 2020? Have you learned any new songs this year? What old songs from your past have comforted you? Please share! One can never have too many songs in the arsenal!
Come Sing Together 