From Seed to Strength: A 5 Day Devotional for Raising Sons With Purpose by Dr. Richelle Whittakerనమూనా

Day 3: Nurture

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it."
—Proverbs 22:6

What do you see in your son? What is his natural bent? I believe the purpose for which your son was created was present from birth. Scripture tells us that God knit us together in our mother’s womb. Yet, it takes time and attention to recognize what that purpose is. As moms, part of that role is to nurture the natural gifts, talents, and abilities our sons possess.

As a psychologist, I’ve observed young children—3- and 4-year-olds—and I love watching what they naturally gravitate toward. Unfortunately, these natural inclinations are often stifled by parents, peers, and society.

Take, for example, the mom I mentioned on Day 1 with the autistic son. She nurtured his interest in computers by giving him opportunities to work on them at home and in their neighborhood. She paid close attention to what captured his interest and developed a plan for his future based on that. His affinity for computers wasn’t just about career potential; it was part of who he was, shaping all aspects of his life.

What is your son’s natural bent? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you and guide you in nurturing it.

If we want to raise confident and whole young men, we must start with the end in mind. Isn’t that what God does with us—declaring the end from the beginning?

Prayer:
Lord, I know You have a unique purpose for my son. Help me to see the natural gifts, talents, and abilities You’ve placed in him. Guide me not only to recognize these qualities but to nurture and develop them fully so he may grow into the person You’ve called him to be.