You Never Know Who's Watching

Why do I do, what I do, when it comes to my parenting? I think I can give a simple answer, because of one of my dearest friends. A child’s spiritual formation is the most important part of their overall development and it is our responsibility as parents to help nurture this. My first exposure to such a thing was with this special friend. She had just had her first child (one that had been so desperately prayed for). I noticed that she made a point of praying with her little girl from the very beginning. When I say beginning, I mean day one. When my husband and I (before our kids were around) would spend time with this couple it seemed to be right before their little girls bedtime, that’s when I saw and heard the beautiful prayers. I don’t think she knows what her example has done for me and my parenting, but it made me evaluate my own thinking. So many parents believe that a child’s spiritual journey does not begin until the moment she becomes a believer. I however, believe it is a journey that not only begins before birth, but also at the moment that child appears on the scene. Being a mother is sometimes a daunting task, but I do know that in the small things, like prayer, God will show up in a big way,in my life and in my child's. I guess it is true that you never know who’s watching, so thanks Lea, you’re an awesome mom.

Good Name

I overheard Will playing today and thought it sounded kind of interesting. I asked him what he was doing. He said that his frog was, "planting a church." (Yes he said planting a church) I asked if this church had a name and he responded with, "of course it does." He proceeded to tell me the name was "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit." Wow what a name.

It's Hard To Be Three

I can't begin to think of all the times I have said to Will, "I understand it's hard being three." For some reason in mid meltdown mode this seems to calm him down. Lately, I've thought it's really hard being a Christian and would love to hear, "I understand." I guess it's sometimes hard to understand what God is trying to do. This week a friend told me a story about her brother and his little girl. The little girl was born with down syndrome and later was found to have leukemia. As she told the story my heart began to break. This little girl only lived 5 years and never walked. The day she passed away her father spent time just dancing with her as he held her little body. I can't understand this, but her family knows they will see her again and see their little girl dance. Sometimes I question a God who would allow this or allow a father to be killed and leave behind three children. It's so hard to understand God and His will here on earth. People respond with rote answers or even explain away the pain and suffering we feel. I do know that God loves His children. I believe God knew that we would struggle understanding Him and His desires for us. He knew that he would have to remind somebody like myself with His word, (knew I too would be a doubting Thomas) John 20:31, “These things were written that you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that, believing, you may have life in his name.” I know that if I want to be reminded of His understanding and His love I have to return to His word. Christ understands my pain because he has entered into my pain. So just like Will, it's nice to know I have Someone who understands and sometimes I need to hear it (read it) over and over again.