We all have our own way of how we perceive things. Our perception is groomed by our thought process, our senses, and our experiences in life. Webster dictionary defines Perception - Becoming aware of through senses, to understand. We can only understand things as far as our mind or capacity of knowledge allows us to. If you have grown up in a home with abuse, chaos, and strife, or to the contrary; love, peace and joy. That is going to make up your perception of what a family should be like. In my profession, I deal with all types of individuals from youth to adults. And all of them have their own perception of things. Even when I am teaching or presenting new material, the way that they perceive it, is going to effect their learning and understanding of it. When you are interacting with young people on a daily basis, you learn so much about them and their background; how they think, act, where they come from, and even their family. Although we live in a world that seems to have the upper hand on our youth when it comes to influence; because of things like; technology, friends, drugs, alcohol and sex. Parents! believe it or not, we still have a lot of influence in our children's lives. Our choices, behaviors, words, and actions, help to shape their perception; giving a understanding of something.
Over the years as a parent, I have had to learn that; my children, especially my oldest (who is a teenage girl) watches everything that I say and do. So for her, I am developing her perception of a woman, mother, friend, etc. The same way that I did, with my own mother and any other women present in my life. If she sees me being un-submissive to my husband, disrespectful to authority, disloyal in my friendships; she becomes prone to that same behavior. This week, I dealt with a situation of a parent, who has created the wrong perception for her child when it comes to communication and interacting with her peers and authority. She has been taught to live on the defense, trust no one, and be messy in her interactions with others (always creating drama). Her perception about everything is negative.
Unfortunately, there was a time in my life where my daughter didn't always see me handling situations the best, or communicate correctly with others. And though I'm not proud of that, I am encouraged by the fact that she has been on this journey of transformation with me for much of her life; seeing me yield to the Holy Spirit and allowing him to mold and shape me. I'm thankful for the grace that allows me to present a different picture and CHANGE her perception. You see, as parents our every move counts. And though our intentions may be good, our actions are wrong! When I think about my student, my heart breaks, because I understand the depth of the trap that she is being placed in. A trap that is only linked to failure and destruction.
The choices that I was making during that time in my life; were being birthed out of bitterness, rejection, and abandonment. From so many experiences in my life. The way that I handled things, came from my own perception. It was nothing for me to run off at the mouth or make others feel low. That was the perception that I had when it came to handling things or people.
The Bible warns us not to lean on our own understanding. Today, that scripture can't be more real and prevalent in my life. Before, I surrendered to the Lord, ugh! my understanding was that, you ain't nobody's fool and you speak your mind, and if people didn't like it ... too bad! My understanding, was warped and developed by the wrong things.
What are your perceptions? Have you thought about the affect that they will have on your children or those closest to you. What has influenced your perceptions, and will you trust the Lord to mold and shape you?
Remember, surrender all ...
Tynisha
Over the years as a parent, I have had to learn that; my children, especially my oldest (who is a teenage girl) watches everything that I say and do. So for her, I am developing her perception of a woman, mother, friend, etc. The same way that I did, with my own mother and any other women present in my life. If she sees me being un-submissive to my husband, disrespectful to authority, disloyal in my friendships; she becomes prone to that same behavior. This week, I dealt with a situation of a parent, who has created the wrong perception for her child when it comes to communication and interacting with her peers and authority. She has been taught to live on the defense, trust no one, and be messy in her interactions with others (always creating drama). Her perception about everything is negative.
Unfortunately, there was a time in my life where my daughter didn't always see me handling situations the best, or communicate correctly with others. And though I'm not proud of that, I am encouraged by the fact that she has been on this journey of transformation with me for much of her life; seeing me yield to the Holy Spirit and allowing him to mold and shape me. I'm thankful for the grace that allows me to present a different picture and CHANGE her perception. You see, as parents our every move counts. And though our intentions may be good, our actions are wrong! When I think about my student, my heart breaks, because I understand the depth of the trap that she is being placed in. A trap that is only linked to failure and destruction.
The choices that I was making during that time in my life; were being birthed out of bitterness, rejection, and abandonment. From so many experiences in my life. The way that I handled things, came from my own perception. It was nothing for me to run off at the mouth or make others feel low. That was the perception that I had when it came to handling things or people.
The Bible warns us not to lean on our own understanding. Today, that scripture can't be more real and prevalent in my life. Before, I surrendered to the Lord, ugh! my understanding was that, you ain't nobody's fool and you speak your mind, and if people didn't like it ... too bad! My understanding, was warped and developed by the wrong things.
What are your perceptions? Have you thought about the affect that they will have on your children or those closest to you. What has influenced your perceptions, and will you trust the Lord to mold and shape you?
Remember, surrender all ...
Tynisha
What a great reminder! Awesome post.
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