If you ask a crowd of people the most important quality needed in order to be a good parent, the answers would be as varied and unique as the individuals who offered out their ideas. In finding a common ground to describe the elements of good parenting, it is interesting and insightful to examine the labels our society has created and accepted for the people who are given the responsibility of overseeing children.

There are many powerfully meaningful words associated with the upbringing of young ones, words such as: caretaker, guardian and provider. Each of these words literally explains what a child needs to strive; she needs to be cared for, guarded and provided for.

We can draw much meaning from further exploring each word. Caring for a child is to have or show regard, interest or concern. Unconditional love can be included in the definition of caring for a child. Guarding a child would include keeping him from harm or loss and offering protection. Providing for a child is to supply her with shelter and nutritional food. Parents also provide opportunities for growth, development, and education.

We can also look at the Webster’s dictionary definition of parenting, which reads “the act or process of raising children.” And the same dictionary describes the word raising as to rear children, which in turn means “to place upright; raise; elevate. To care for and bring to maturity.”

What a wonderful way to describe parenting – to raise and elevate.

I cannot help but know that God wants all his children raised and elevated, to be placed up high, to be lifted and praised. To be raised in moral character. To be raised in spirit. To be raised in intellect. He desires nothing more than for his children to receive the best love and care, guardianship and provisions. He wants you to have all of the fruits of parenting.