Our family, along with most other families, is getting ready to head Back to School. As we prepare to head 
back to school, we need a slew of supplies. In past years, I have gone shopping for my kids and bought what it felt like we needed. However, I have often been frustrated to discover that I actually bought items that we didn’t need and I missed items that we desperately needed. So, this year I had my kids take an inventory. I’m still trying to decide if this was the most genius activity or the geekiest thing I’ve ever done. .. I’ll keep you posted.
I typed up and printed out a set of instructions and a list of clothing categories with a place for them to put a number. Their task was to go through their dresser and closet and get rid of anything that was too small, too worn, or just plain unwanted. Then, count what was left. I took their completed inventory and could easily see who needed what.
This practice revealed two important pieces of information:
- We discovered we actually had more than we thought we did.
- We discovered what we needed.
We have been discussing the Family Discipleship Path and looking at this journey that we’re on to guide the children in our lives to adulthood with a healthy relationship with God and their family. Let’s take a look at the tools we have packed away for this journey. Let’s take an inventory so that we know what we have and what we need.
First, go through all of your tools…books, blogs, magazines, Bibles, traditions, handouts, wise council, classes…..
- Get rid of anything that your family has outgrown (at the same time, pack away and label items that are “too big”)
- Get rid of anything that is worn out or stained- Are there traditions or practices that have been “overdone” and have lost their value?
- Get rid of anything that is unwanted and simply doesn’t work for your family. There may be great ideas that work for your family that won’t work for mine. Great resources that worked for a season but just doesn’t make sense right now.
Next, evaluate what you have left. What area is a little sparse? Do you need to add some items to your tool kit that will prepare you for the journey? Are there some items in there that you forgot you even had or haven’t used in quite a while? Maybe it’s time to re-read that book, set up a lunch date with that person with wise council, or start up a practice that has been ignored.
Our small step for this week is to take a look at all of our resources. I believe you’ll discover that you are more prepared than you thought to guide these little people. May that give you encouragement and confidence. This will also give you a direction to “stock up” on some supplies that will be very useful in this next season.
Please share your discoveries!!
Family Discipleship Path 