Monday, September 17, 2007

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. " Deuteronomy 11:19

Being in this world yet not of it has often gotten us much criticism. We are very careful with what we allow our children to watch, play with, wear (boys' clothes can have graphic violence on them), and how we allow them to spend their free time. One rule CJ have also agreed upon is to make our children go to church as long as they live under our roof. Yes, I said make. We have often heard critical comments of other friends (certainly not any of you reading this) and family members who come from an era where parents allowed their children to decide for themselves their spiritual journeys- all in the name of freedom and democracy. Not in this house. We believe the above referenced scripture regards teaching our children about our God and His ways through everything we do. With lots of prayer and patience, we hope their hearts become sensitive to Jesus' knocking and they will be brave enough and willing enough to accept the call. All we get until earthly salvation comes, is small glimpses here and there if anything is soaking in. We play praise music. We say the blessing before meal time. We take them to children's church/ Sunday School (Believe me when I say this is so much easier said than done with our boys). We read Bible stories they can get. We only watch certain programs. Maybe something will sink in?

I got a glimpse today. As we were on our way to MMO I had the radio playing on WHMK, the local Christain station in Columbia we listen to (There are others, but this is the only one for music we like). They were playing a souped up version of "Holy, Holy, Holy". From the back of the car Cole says, "Mama, is this the 'Holy, Holy' song?" I said, "Yes, Cole, it is." He responded, "I like this song." We go to a high tempo church, so Cole doesn't hear hymns there. I was curious as to where he had heard this song before so I pushed a little.

"Where have you heard this song before?"

"You know, with the babies."

"What babies?"

"The babies who sing the 'Holy, Holy' song, Mama."

The spirit put it together for me and reminded me of the Praise Baby DVD we have. Cole has seen it many times during me cooking dinner. I was amazed he remembered because of all that has been going on in our lives and also, he hasn't watched it in months!

God is teaching me that life is so much more made up of the little things we do that weave themselves together to make it great. Those of us who long to do and be great usually miss the great because we miss the small things. We truly do miss seeing the forest for the trees. That is why God tells us to "Teach [them to] your children, talking [about them] when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." The principle is for me to take advantage of the opportunities I have. I shouldn't wait for the big teachable moments to teach long- lasting life lessons (although, I do like when those come around), but I should keep steady with the daily tasks God has given. I'm not a great mom for this discovery. Praise be to God for that. I just do the daily tasks of mothering- day in and day out. I wipe butts; I clean crusty noses (and the not-so-crusty); I cook meals; I clean up; I do laundry; I'm careful and protective of what and who I allow into my children's days. It's all pretty mundane.

Thank you, Lord, for showing me through my children, that what I find monotonous, You see as faithful. What I find never-ending, You count as perseverance. May my attitude reflect Your patience with me.



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5 comments:

LeslieW. said...

I liked that, thanks dude.

FabulousLee Fun Twin Tales said...

Amen, Sista! Those little peeks into their spiritual understanding are amazing. You're doing a SUPER job!

The LaBouffs said...

Wow..that's very encouraging! Thanks for sharing!

Dena said...

Awesome dudette- Annie said "Bow your head and say God our Father"

I didn't know she even knew that and she now is singing Jesus loves me - PRAISE GOD for Christian School!!!

Anonymous said...

You're doing a great job. Every little morsel of spirituality helps. You will be surprised one day on the things that they remember. If you can just get through to them a little bit...