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Dec. 18, 2006
My How Our Children Can Humble Us
We can learn so much from the heart of a child! My dear 7 year old son really blessed my heart this morning. When asked if he was ready for breakfast he replied "No, I'm not going to eat breakfast this morning, and pray for Aunt Kim's eyes." My sister in law has diabetes and has been struggling with bouts of temporary blindness. The Dr.'s have done numerous surgery's and the Lord has given her some sight back in one eye. She has a toddler and it is very important for her to be able to see to care for him. It is now lunch time and my son has decided that he will not eat lunch or dinner! As a mother I hesitate to allow him to go without food - I told him it wasn't healthy for him to not eat - he is a growing boy! He said "Well, Jesus did it didn't he?" I of course said yes, He fasted for 40 days - and my son said "If Jesus did it , I can do it? (he was asking permission) it's only 1 day!" Well, if Jesus did it I guess I can't tell him it is wrong for him to do. I feel ashamed that I was slightly embarrassed last night at his children's play when he was the only child not standing and singing because he was totally in la la land. So what, he may forget to stand and sing when he is suppose to, he may forget to put away his toys, he may walk on things in the floor rather than step over them, his room may be a disaster - But his heart is right! This is what we as parents should focus on and praise him for. Not harp and criticize for his shortcomings. After all, how many shortcomings do I have? "We all have sinned and FALL SHORT!" and yet Chirst forgives us and pours out his Grace and Mercy in our lives. He has such a good heart and desire to follow God- and that is what is important! When I parent my child I must remember that I am parenting his heart. Forgetting to pick up toys, or flush the toilet etc.. is just part of being a child - so I should lovingly remind him not talk critically, and impatiently to him. His heart isn't in disobedience when he forgets - he is just being a kid!
I pray that I will embrace each one of my children for the person God has created them to be and never again be ashamed when they aren't exactly like the other kids. Each child is created differently - and I'm proud of my kids for their differences...... and humbled at the same time. God is working in their hearts and for that I am very grateful. I pray that I will shepherd their hearts and not just the surface because "a good man out of the good treasure in his heart brings forth good things, an evil man out of the evil treasure in his heart brings forth evil things, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
I read a great book a while back called Shepherding a Child's Heart - I need to go back and read it again I think it will help me remember what is important when raising my children for Christ. If you are interested in finding out more about that book , or to sign up for their e-mail articles then you can click here to go to shepherd press. They have lots of wisdom and insight on raising children. |
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