Meet Passenger #4

Passenger #4 – A Parent

Oh, yes.  We do have a parent aboard---probably quite a few.  But this parent expects perfection from her/his children.  Hopefully you are not one of those perfection parents, but you might know one.  If you have ever been a teacher, coach, or administrator---you are thinking of quite a few examples!!!  

This parent is always worried that the lovely children he/she has will not be “at the top” of virtually everything.  It is an exhausting way to carry out your calling as a parent, but somehow, it continues to be that person’s driving force.  Unfortunately, it sets the child up for failure and frustration since no one can really live up to such high expectations consistently.  The question becomes one of who is really living this life?  Often, such perfectionist parents were either perfectionist victims (you know---a generational pattern) or that parent is living out unfulfilled dreams from their own past.  Either way, it is miserable.

While such a well-meaning parent wants to encourage their child, it is “over the top” and unrealistic.  Such unhealthy pressure leads to other issues in life and the generational trend continues

Hopefully on this journey, Passenger #4 will see the way to love their child unconditionally like the Lord loves each of us.  That is all any child really needs or desires.  It is time to set this parent and child free to celebrate their unique creation by God.  Maybe the Driver will have a suggestion.

Guiding Questions for comments: (Feel free to share anything of comfort each day)

1.       Surely you know at least one person who shares this struggle.  What can you do to help this person to seek God’s guidance?

2.       Somehow, this passenger needs a message from the Driver.  What Scriptural words of wisdom might be shared to free this person of perfectionism?