Paul Tripp provides some vision training with this great quote and I think it will help not just with parenting, but with all our relationships:

“People struggling with life in a fallen world often want explanations when what they really need is imagination. They want strategies, techniques, and principles because they simply want things to be better. But God offers much more.

People need to look at their families, neighbors, friends, cities, jobs, history, and churches, and see the kingdom. They need imagination–the ability to see what is real but unseen. This is what Paul fixed his gaze on (II Cor. 4). They need to look at a city and see the glorious company of the redeemed being gathered, amidst a brutal spiritual battle, to live in union with God.

They need to look at their children and see a Redeemer pursuing their hearts for his own.

They need to scan history and see God accomplishing his purpose. People need to see the shining hope of human existence: people can know, love, and serve God.

They can commune with him forever and form a community of love that is possible no other way.”

Paul Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands

Do you have any quotes or stories that have helped you imagine parenting or friendship by a different light? Please share. I’d love to hear from you.