In a world of unrelenting demands, it can be very easy to spend all of our focus on work and the needs of our children. This laser focus can come at the cost of our own spiritual health, which will then damage every other area of our life. My guest today has spent decades observing the effects of spiritual neglect on the mission field as well as home front. One of his central life callings has been to help those serving in full time ministry tend to the nurturing of their own souls. I’m excited to share with you today a brilliant man whom I also call friend, Dr. Jim O’Neill.

Thanks to our sponsor www.lazybearcabinrental.com. The Lazy Bear Cabin is three bedroom, two bathroom cabin in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Northwest Georgia. Consider this getaway spot as the perfect socially distanced family or romantic getaway. If you know a family who deserves a special vacation, nominate them and tell their story at www.lazybearcabinrental.com to register for a free 3 day, 2 night getaway.

Show Highlights

Jim O’Neill serves as Director of Mobilization and Leadership Development at Frontier Ventures. Additionally, he and his wife Sterling are the founders of the Next Gen Leaders Conference.

Jim and and his wife Sterling have been married for over 38 years. They have 4 grown children, 3 son-in-laws and 4 grandkids. Jim hails from Pennsylvania and Sterling from SC. They met in college in VA. where both were called to missions. Serving together, they each come with 13 years of church planting experience in Asia, 13 years in leadership with two mission organizations, and 8 years ministering in formal theological education and equipping.

Because of their passion about multiplying and nurturing leaders, Jim and Sterling founded the Net Gen Leaders Conference. You can find out more at www.nextgenleader.net  or email them at [email protected] and/or [email protected].

There are many situations in our world today that put pressure on you in various aspects.

But, as a parent, remember that in shepherding your child’s soul, you have to tend to your own soul, too. Remember that the more you pour out of yourself, you have to replenish, too.

There are beautiful outcomes to giving attention to your soul, such as a more submissive spirit. Jim says, there’s nothing more beautiful than the mutuality of mutual submission. That comes when your soul is in a place of rest in Jesus.

A rested soul is a humble one. As a parent, there are no more important words to say to your spouse and your kids than “I really blew it, I’m so sorry. Will you please forgive me.”

Help your children realize that getting every single thing right is not the only way to please you as a parent. You and your child are both imperfect. Take that grace-based parenting to heart. If you don’t, you could risk crushing your child’s soul. They will end up with a broken spirit or a rebellious one.

As you continue to parent them, keep tending to your own soul, and don’t give up on your son or daughter.

Remember, this is a unique season, but this too shall pass. When it does, as parents, set aside calibration time to review what you and your family have gone through together.

Jim suggests spending one on one time with each child to process life. Keep a record of the story of your kids (and grandkids) for the past year. Celebrate the goodness, kindness, and growth that you have seen in their lives. It will lift your child’s heart and your own heart, too.

As a parent, remember that in shepherding your child's soul, you have to tend to your own soul, too. Click To Tweet

Resources Mentioned

If you find this podcast helpful, you can subscribe  and click here to find past topics and free resources. Feel free to share with others, as well! If you would like to help support Let’s Parent on Purpose, you can do so by becoming a patron.

I send a weekly email called “Things for Thursday” and it includes things I’ve found helpful related to parenting, marriage, and sometimes just things I find funny! You can sign up for “Things for Thursday” by joining my newsletter on my homepage.

Thank you for your continued support of this podcast. If you have a prayer request or if you have a topic suggestion or question, please contact me at my email.