The more I parent, the more I struggle with identity. It is so easy to get caught up in thinking your child’s behavior, academic performance, or athletic success is a reflection of you. It is a daily struggle for me to die to self and find my identity in Christ alone. Over the past few weeks, I have struggled more and more with this.

I like the fact that my boys are pretty good basketball players but I struggle with my mood changing because of their performance.

I like the fact that my kids are fairly well behaved but I struggle with finding significance in people seeing me as a dad with nice, polite kids.

I like the fact that my kids work hard in the classroom but I struggle with how it looks when they forget to study and fail a test.

I like the fact that my kids love doing things with me but I struggle with the desire to sit down, watch tv, read a book and distance myself from everyone.

I struggle.

The more I parent, the more I realize it is an identity issue.

My prayer today is that my kids see my identity in Christ and Christ alone.

My prayer today is that  I will always point our kids back to the core issue of finding their identity in Christ and Christ alone.

Relationship issues? identity problem.

Wins and losses? identity problem.

Good grades and bad grades? identity problem.

Take time time today and make sure you teach and model for your kids where true identity is found.

Be strategic and intentional.