Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson
Endings and Beginnings
“I am making everything new!”
Revelation 21:5
The end of formal parenting is the passing of an era, yet it also presents an exciting opportunity—the chance to develop a wonderful new relationship with your adult children. Mike and Margi Klausmeier of Colorado Springs are enjoying their kids more than ever now that they’re grown. Twin sons Matthew and David have both worked with their parents in the evangelistic organization Youth With A Mission. Daughter Katie traveled with her mother on a recent missions trip to India and will soon join her mother and one brother on a journey to Cambodia. Mike says that “Our relationship with our boys has become one of adult Christian to adult Christian. We drew much closer as we shared our faith with them and they shared their walk with us.” Margi adds that partnering with her daughter in missions work “pulled us together in an incredible way.”
The Lord Himself said, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). God is still at work in your grown kids. In this next phase of life, we encourage you to embrace your children as adults, and to offer them friendship as well as parental support. Then watch and see what God does. You may find that your relationship with your sons and daughters is only just beginning.
Before you say good night…
- How can you offer greater friendship to your grown kids?
- What new adventures would you like to experience with them?
- How would you like your relationship with your kids to change when they are grown?
Lord, the eras of our life seem to rush by. Thank You for Your faithful love and care through the years of our lives. Help us to develop new relationships with our adult children that draw us closer to them and bring glory to You. Amen.
Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.
This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
About Family Talk
Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit ministry located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the organization promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via their website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of the Family Talk radio broadcast, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.
Dr. Dobson's flagship broadcast called, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,500 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions each month.
About Dr. James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson is the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk.” He has an earned Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and holds 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family including, The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift. Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He has advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions. Dr. Dobson has been married to Shirley for 64 years, and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.
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