Lamentations 3: 27, “It is good for a man to learn how to work hard in his youth.”
Can I point out that this verse states it is good for a MAN to learn how to work hard in his youth? It does not say it is good for a BOY to learn how to work hard in his youth. Too often we have the wrong perspective and we think we are raising boys and girls. If we have a more mature perspective we will see we are really raising men and ladies. Teaching our children perseverance will aide them in this journey. Charlie Meyer, a pastor in Minneapolis, shared this list of men versus boys to help us focus on raising men.
Men vs. Boys
MEN WORK. Boys play games.
MEN ARE DRIVEN BY PRINCIPLES. Boys are driven by hormones.
MEN ARE SELF-DISCIPLINED. Boys are self-absorbed.
MEN LAY DOWN THEIR LIFE TO SERVE. Boys cry for help.
MEN LIVE UNDER AUTHORITY. Boys live in rebellion.
MEN GET SOMETHING DONE. Boys dream and make excuses.
With inspiration and help from Pastor Meyer, I made a list to guide us in raising ladies versus girls:
Ladies vs. Girls
LADIES TRUST GOD. Girls worry.
LADIES ARE DRIVEN BY PRINCIPLES. Girls are led by emotions.
LADIES HONOR GOD. Girls obsess over beauty.
LADIES SERVE. Girls want to be waited on.
LADIES LIVE UNDER AUTHORITY. Girls fight for their rights.
LADIES ARE PURPOSEFUL. Girls daydream and fantasize.
LADIES HONOR GOD. Girls gossip.
LADIES BUILD THEIR HOMES. Girls hit the mall.