Hypocrite?

It seems that in recent years the most stated reason for youth "abandoning the faith" is that they feel their parents are hypocrites. Hearing this reason stated repeatedly over the last two years, Karen and I have constantly been evaluating how our children perceive us. During this time we have had several concerns. I think that these have been due to the enormous responsibility of rearing children that belong to God and not us.

As we have parented our children, I can think of no other time that the weight of this responsibility has been more clear than two days ago when I was looking through my oldest daughters schoolwork. In her folder I found an assignment that was supposed to be a character sketch of whomever she chose. I pray that I can be the man she sees.

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Humbled, Jon

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a month away! I think these special days are the most difficult to prepare a message for. Do mothers come to church expecting to be praised? Do they expect to be challenged? Do they even want to be addressed from the pulpit on their day, or does Mother's Day only matter on the family level?
As I have been thinking about this for a few weeks now, one thing is certain. No one ever had a perfect mother, (although my own mom has a lot to be proud of) and only one mother ever had a perfect son. (this is not one of the things that my mom has to be proud of!)

If addressed from the pulpit, will this be difficult for those praying to become mothers? Will this be difficult for those mothers that have lost children? How does one make this an all inclusive message? Does it need to be, or can we focus on one group?

As an aside, I found out last night that the only reason I have the opportunity to preach on Mother's Day is because the Pastor who was first asked said he'd rather preach on a different week! No wonder.

Clarification

As I read my last post, I realize that the meaning may not come across as I intend. I attempted to be vague, yet I fear I left the wrong impression.

To clarify, I believe the Lord may have gifted me to meet specific temporary needs. If I begin to think the Lord has given me a particular gift because of who I am, I will stray from His will. If I abandon the work that God has currently given me, assuming that I can use these gifts elsewhere, mightn't He take them away?

My last post was to say that I am remaining where I am at. It is here that God has put me and it is here that He has gifted me! Why look elsewhere? It is the work that He has for me and not the position that is important.

Clear as mud?