My husband and I just returned from a family camping trip. Some of our Grand Children are now old enough to enjoy a sleep-over with Nana and Poppa in the rPod.
The campfire had died down and it was time to get the two boys tucked into the table-that-turns-into-a-bed. It had been a fun-filled day with swimming and playing at the park. For some reason, the Camping Fairy did not slip in to do the dishes that were slowly becoming a miniature Pike’s Peak in the sink. Rog and I prayed with the boys, gave them a sweet hug and kiss on the forehead. It was time to tackle the dishes.
In a thinly veiled attempt to stay up later, Wesley stated very matter-of-factly, “I need to watch you so I know how to do dishes.”
Now I know that our daughters-in-law ALL are very intentional about making sure their children participate in all household chores. So, sorry Wes, not quite true. But I love you for the spiritual truth it showed me.
Our children are watching us All The Time. This isn’t anything new. You already see it in action at your house. The way your child tips her head or his voice goes up at the end of a sentence…they are the greatest of imitators.
It was that second word in Wesley’s statement, though, that struck me. He used the word ‘need.’ Our children DO need us to show them how to do life. That is why God has entrusted them to our care. It is the rare parent (or grandparent) who seizes these opportunities to come alongside and help our kids walk in a way that honors and reflects Christ. Better caught than taught, they say. Rog and I realized early that surrounding our children with other adults who shared our Christ-centered worldview was a critical piece to our own parenting.
Wes also showed me that I need to watch my heavenly Father ‘so I know what to do.’ Lord, I need to watch You so I know how to…love others deeply, serve with a pure heart of compassion, and so much more.
settingmyhearttohonorhim 