In undertaking to write about this most vitally important subject, one does so with a great sense in his soul of personal failure in the very things in which he now seeks to set forth in this little booklet regarding principles for parenting. In the very helpful, recommended book, "To the Parents of My Grandchildren" the author writes: "Some of these pages have been blotted with tears; and I am not at all sure that all the lessons have been learned that the writer is trying to pass on to you. Do not think he writes because of any imagined superiority—he does not." At the end he says: "The words of the grandfather are ended: they have greatly condemned him. They have made him feel how he has failed, and how utterly unqualified he was for [writing these things]. But God is faithful.”
These words echo one's personal experience as a parent and suitably describe his own feelings. At the same time one longs that our gracious, loving God might be pleased to use the meditations offered herein for much profit and blessing for parents who diligently seek to raise their children in faithfulness to God, for His glory, and their blessing.
Douglas Nicolet
December, 1999