Wow, I have seriously been slacking on this blog!The first thing I should mention is that Libby was found. She is safe and at home with her family. I don't know any of the details, nor is it any of my business. But it did make me think of the stresses of today's teenagers. In her case she has a wonderful family. Her mother is loving, nurturing and very devoted to both of her kids. It is easy to assume that if a child runs away it is due to a horrible home life. Obviously this isn't always true. What is always true is that kids, yes even teenagers, lack the experience to make wise decisions. This is especially true when under stress. It is so hard to see the "right now" as temporary. Therefore every issue is monumental. They also tend to look to their peers (other inexperienced teens, prone to the same unwise judgment) for guidance and support. This is not necessarily because their parents are unwillingly or unable to provide it. They do so because its human nature.
Think about it. Who do you go to for guidance and support? Is it the people you look up to? (your peers) Or are you inclined to ask those who will likely agree with what you have already set your heart on doing? That is exactly what these kids do. At some point maturity and wisdom will kick in. It is then that they will actually look up to the people who influence them to be the people they endeavor to become. This concept escapes many adults. Perhaps, then, us adults should model this more our youth. They should see that adults look to others for advice. (Not just their parents, but adults in general. As adults we have a core responsibility to model positive behavior for all kids.) Maybe, the kids will note who the adults look to. They could then decide to find such ones in their life.
Obviously, for a lot of us God is the primary person we look to for guidance. However, at times, we need reminders to do so. There are also many occasions that direction would be helpful, but isn't something we can find in the bible. We all need role models. Needing and having role models is in essence being a good role model.
I must reiterate - I do NOT know the circumstances involved with Libby. I have known her mother for many years. She has always been a beautiful soul and dedicated mother. This post is simply meant to encourage us all to be mindful of the example (regarding peers and guidance specifically) we are setting for youth in general.
Think about it. Who do you go to for guidance and support? Is it the people you look up to? (your peers) Or are you inclined to ask those who will likely agree with what you have already set your heart on doing? That is exactly what these kids do. At some point maturity and wisdom will kick in. It is then that they will actually look up to the people who influence them to be the people they endeavor to become. This concept escapes many adults. Perhaps, then, us adults should model this more our youth. They should see that adults look to others for advice. (Not just their parents, but adults in general. As adults we have a core responsibility to model positive behavior for all kids.) Maybe, the kids will note who the adults look to. They could then decide to find such ones in their life.
Obviously, for a lot of us God is the primary person we look to for guidance. However, at times, we need reminders to do so. There are also many occasions that direction would be helpful, but isn't something we can find in the bible. We all need role models. Needing and having role models is in essence being a good role model.
I must reiterate - I do NOT know the circumstances involved with Libby. I have known her mother for many years. She has always been a beautiful soul and dedicated mother. This post is simply meant to encourage us all to be mindful of the example (regarding peers and guidance specifically) we are setting for youth in general.
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