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You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up (Deuteronomy 6:7).
The Mother/Daughter “Mutual Admiration Society” continues this week! One of the gifts my daughter received at the Mother/Daughter Tea was a little diary. Every day she asks me if I will write something in it “about God.” I usually write a little note of encouragement with some accompanying Scripture that illustrates the point. Then we read what I wrote and talk about it a bit. Sometimes she will draw a picture to go with whatever it is I’ve written. This new little tradition has really cemented our little bond, and has given us some great Girl Time Alone.
When my oldest was a mere babe, I used to have a daily devotional time with him. I’d read him the same story every day, and sing the same songs to him. One of the first words I remember him saying was “Gah” (God). On a personal level, I loved that special time with him, but even moreover, I’m thankful for the spiritual dividends such an investment has yielded!
I’m beginning to see the same Return on Investment (ROI) with my daughter. She is a thirsty little sponge-like flower, with her petals thrust up in the air to receive drink. She’s absorbing all of these spiritual tidbits, and is processing them in her own way. I know this because she loves to talk to me about spiritual things. She’ll tell me about a story she learned in Bible Class, or some memory verse that’s on her mind. Out will come these little gems of wisdom that she’s gleaned along the way as she tries to make sense of things in her little world.
With the hustle and bustle that is daily life with three children, (and home schooling same!), it feels like I am always rushing, and never really giving anyone my full attention or my personal best. Yet, when I really, really slow myself down and consciously pay attention to what they are saying and what I am saying, I find that my children crave that parental one-on-one time and thrive when it is bestowed. Behavior problems diminish, manners abound, there are lots more hugs and kisses and life is lovely and peaceful. Jesus often said things that seemed at odds (the first will be last and the last first), but when you really stop and put effort into building relationships, you will find that His sayings truly held the secret to true peace. If I want more peaceful time, I shouldn’t seek out alone time. I should invest in some quality time with my kids, and I find they become less clingy and less needy. It’s a conundrum that only obedience to God’s word reveals the answer to!
