Praising Their Character

Like most of us with young children I spend a lot of time around other people with young children.  I've noticed I hear a lot about how our kids aregood at sports, or how pretty they are, how smart they are. I'm sure I am guilty of this myself. I started to wonder why we do this. Why are we focusing more on those things than the character and heart issues that God looks at?  I read a devotional that discussed praising our kids when we catch them doing something good. It got me thinking about what I am praising them for. My job is to praise and build up the qualities in my children that God thinks are important.  

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

I am committed to catch my kids displaying these qualities and praise them for it. Being patient with their siblings, putting others needs before their own, acting in love even when it is difficult, obeying with a joyful heart.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

I am committed to stop comparing my kids to anyone else. To stop measuring what they do by the world's standards.  I don't think there is any better gift I can give them as their Mommy.

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

I'm linking up here and here.

I'm doing a giveaway over at Rags to Stitches! Go say hi to Alissa.