Building Strength and Resilience in Kids

A recent news story about concrete serves as a metaphor for nurturing our children and teens into long-term spiritual growth and vitality. Scientists have long-wondered why the ancient roman pantheon and other roman buildings constructed of concrete have remained intact for almost two-thousand years. Researchers have unlocked the mystery by comparing the composition of the long-lasting roman concrete, to our modern concrete, which tends to break down rather quickly. It seems that the Romans worked hard to prevent decomposition by using a form of limestone that actually set off chemical reactions over time to self-fill cracks and even strengthen the structure. When I read this, I couldn’t help but think about being diligent with our children when they are young, teaching them the truths of God’s word, over and over and over again. You see, as Jesus teaches, building them this way will set them up to endure the inevitable storms of life with an intact and strengthened faith.