understand himself? How aware is he of his strengths and
weaknesses? Does he understand his personality? Is he self-conscious
about the propensities of his personality?
(^) My friend’s daughter, Jennifer, is a person with a tender heart
toward the needs of others. Because of this, she can often tell what
others are feeling. This is an excellent ability. It makes her sensitive
to the feelings of others. There is a downside to this ability. It is easy
for such people to allow others to manipulate them. It is easy for her
not to tell others how she feels or what she thinks. She is sometimes
tempted to let someone else win at a game so that they will not be
disappointed.
(^) She must understand these things about herself. If she is to discern
these qualities of her personality, my friend must first understand
them so that he can help her. Most of us learn these things eventually,
but it is often after we are adults. Sadly, some adults never understand
the personality issues that drive their responses.
(^) We are complex combinations of strengths and weaknesses. There
are things that we can do with ease. There are other things that are
painful and arduous. Understanding these things can enable us to
shore up our weaknesses and develop our strengths. Your children
need to accept and appreciate themselves as unique combinations of
strengths and weaknesses—as persons who are exactly what God
wanted them to be. Help them to embrace themselves as good enough
to do all God has called them to do and has called them to be. In a
word, you want them to be content with themselves.
(^)