• Aug. 5, 2008 - The Boys on Vacation
This is one of my favorite pictures from vacation. I always like pictures of people "on a path". They seem to tell a story to me.
This one reminds me of how the older boys sort of blaze the trails for the younger ones. And I love how strong and confident they look even while they're still looking back at us.
A few years ago, I went to a homeschool conference where a speaker talked about how (especially) important it is to win the heart of your oldest because the younger ones will be likely to follow in their footsteps. He talked about how Satan will come after one of your kids because if he can get ahold of one of them, he'll be more able to get the others. Scary, but I think it's true.
We're kidding ourselves if we underestimate how Satan tries to derail our families. I think of just how powerful a Christian family can be and how Satan will try to destroy what God plans to use by messing up relationships, hardening hearts, and building walls.
When I look at those smiling faces, I'm reminded of all the hard work that has gone into helping them have good relationships with each other. It's not just because it makes it more pleasant to be in our family, although that's definitely true. We invest time in those relationships because we believe that God ordained them for a purpose. There is a reason that He blessed Tony and I with these three boys and gave each of the boys the brothers that He did.
I have friends who have fabulous relationships with their adult siblings. They pray for each other, encourage each other, help each other, have a great time together, and just generally love each other. I know that those relationships took a lot of time and work and they aren't always easy - even with Christian mature adults. They give me hope and remind me that my boys are still maturing and that it's worth investing the time in these relationships.
Sometimes it's hard to keep all of that in perspective when the boys are bickering with each other or things just seem out of sorts around the house. But I love what Moses said in Deuteronomy 31:8, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
The Lord has already gone ahead of us. That path up there in the picture? He has paved the way and is traveling this path with us. He has a purpose and a plan and we just have to keep following in obedience and faith.
If your kids are driving you nuts, don't give in or toss in the towel with "they just can't get along." Remember Philippians 1:6, Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
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• Aug. 6, 2008 - Thanks!
Have a blessed day!
Brandi
http://mountainmorning.blogspot.com