Yesterday ended up being kinda crazy. I took the kids in to the doctor - they've had these colds for well over a month now, and on Sunday night our son started saying his ear hurt. Anyway, he DOES have an ear infection as well as a mild sinus infection. The pediatrician said that our daughter's symptoms looked more like allergies, so she's now on a twice daily Rx to see if that helps. Hopefully there will be less snottage and coughing at our house soon!!On a funny note, this is how our daughter ended her day. She was wiped out, and asleep before 6:30. How on earth can someone fall asleep like that?!?
I've been reading the book Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture by Mary DeMuth. Wonderful book - I'm only halfway through but am already recommending it to friends. I was reading it yesterday, as I was sitting at the pharmacy, and started chapter 7, which is about how we are a "window" for our children. It begins with this quote:
"It is our children who serve as the doorway we pass through to meet God face to face."
-Dan Allender
I know there's not any great theological truth in that statement, but it really made me stop and think. Am I looking at our kids as a way to grow closer to my Lord, or just another commitment? I've recently joked with people about our kids, how I sometimes just have to grit my teeth and remind myself that they are "our blessings from the Lord." Now parenting isn't all shiny and happy, but I've been having a hard time finding joy, as I deal with these two little people who each have their own (strong) ideas about how things should happen.
The next subtitle in the text is Children: God's Sanctification for Parents. Another phrase that stopped me short. How true!! As I parent, I have become vividly aware of my shortcomings. I used to consider myself a rather patient person - but then I had kids. Holy toledo! I've also realized just how selfish I can be, and how that manifests itself when I lash out in anger. And here's the thing about a window: it goes both ways. Are the kids growing closer to God as they watch me in action? Yes, we attend church and they have wonderful age-appropriate lessons. Yes, we read Bible stories and pray before bedtime. But am I demonstrating a godly attitude in my daily tasks? That's where it really counts, what they see on a day to day basis and what they'll remember.
Are these new ideas? Certainly not. Did I already know this? Absolutely! Am I doing it? Well, sort of...
Always good to check one's perspective.
2 comments:
I totally agree....children have a way of showing me how utterly selfish I am and how much I need my Lord. I seriously did not know I was this 'bad', but sure enough the hideous sin comes out from hiding. I still struggle with trusting the Lord in my role as a mother but I am still aware of His promise to continue the work He began in me until I am complete. Thank you Jesus!
I too stopped short when I read "Children - God's Sanctification for Parents" on this post and I ditto your comment, "As I parent, I have become vividly aware of my shortcomings...Holy toledo! I've ...realized just how selfish I can be, and how that manifests itself when I lash out in anger." And lastly, just like you, I have asked "...am I demonstrating a godly attitude in my daily tasks?"
The head of our women's ministry has made Titus 2:3-5 one of the ministry's "mission statement". That passage is about the older women training the younger women towards godliness; being a spiritual mother. As I read over that passage again I thought about my 2 little girls and how it also gives purpose to child-rearing. I too often just find myself thinking of child-rearing as just another task and often get caught up in the day to day. Yet, though I am my girls' biological mother, shouldn't I also be their spiritual mother? As I read Titus 2:3-5 I have to ask myself, "Am I teaching my girls to be reverent,self-controlled, pure, busy at home, and kind? Am I even teaching my girls to be subject to my husband? (which in turn will teach them to subject to their future husbands)" These are all practical examples of godliness...Like you ask, "...am I demonstrating a godly attitude...daily?"
Great food for thought and reminder!
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