We don't need Santa to show us that we all have some naughty tendencies. The famous (or infamous) New Year's resolution is an opportunity to correct our "naughties" and become a nicer person. Having just spent several weeks with our college students over the holidays, we may have a renewed appreciation of their "niceness" but what about their "naughties?" What New Year's resolutions would you make for your college aged young adults if you could?
Several moms answered, "I would love to see them take their faith more seriously." It can be difficult, when they naturally feel so invincible, to get them to focus on life's bigger questions. (see chapter 10, ASWP)
"He was sequestered in his room the whole time. It was hard to get him to participate in the day-to-day family activities," another said. "I wish I could have convinced him to join in a game of cards or family happy hour," she lamented. Setting boundaries in advance can help them rise to the family's expectations. (see chapter 13, ASWP)
"He was up all night and slept all day. I wish he would have more of a healthy routine." Lack of sleep, poor eating habits, little exercise, and poor time management can affect a college student's academic performance and their integration into the family when they're home. (see chapter 12, ASWP)
"She came home with all kinds of strange thinking, and it makes me second-guess the name brand college we've sent her to. I am hoping for another voice in her life to show her a more reasonable philosophy." This mom realized what so many of praying college moms know. At this age, our kids can tend to listen to outside influences more than to us. "It's OK, they'll swing back. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," people tell us. But we can't see into the future, so their reassurance is of little comfort.
Of course, we can't make New Year's resolutions for our kids, but our hearts always desire their complete well-being. How heart-breaking it can be to watch them make bad choices. So what's our one best recourse? The one New Year's resolution that can affect real change in their lives? Our own daily, fervent prayer for them!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.