Every night before we put the kids to bed, we say prayers as a family. A few nights ago when my daughter finished her prayer, my two year old son looked over to me, tilted his little head, and asked, "Does Sissy love Jesus?"
"Yes," I answered, "Sissy loves Jesus, Daddy loves Jesus, Mommy loves Jesus and you love Jesus." Quickly he replied, "No I don't love Jesus. I love Mommy."
As soon as those words left his little mouth my throat went dry and my stomach turned upside down, not because his thought was so terrible that it would send some flash of lightening to strike, after all he's two. Instead it reminded me of the awesome responsibility God has entrusted to me, the most important job I will probably ever have - showing Jesus to my kids.
His simple declaration of affection caused me to pause and seriously consider…
Do my words point to the loving kindness a Savior?
Do my actions paint a picture of a God who is slow to anger and full of mercy?
Does my discipline demonstrate a Father who cares more about my character than my capabilities?
I am not perfect, I will never be perfect, and I cannot show them Jesus by trying to be the perfect parent. But I can do my best to serve and obey Him, and when I mess up I can ask and receive His forgiveness. And as I do this, my kids will be watching. Lord, help me look like Jesus.
Promise for today:
Psalm 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
"Yes," I answered, "Sissy loves Jesus, Daddy loves Jesus, Mommy loves Jesus and you love Jesus." Quickly he replied, "No I don't love Jesus. I love Mommy."
As soon as those words left his little mouth my throat went dry and my stomach turned upside down, not because his thought was so terrible that it would send some flash of lightening to strike, after all he's two. Instead it reminded me of the awesome responsibility God has entrusted to me, the most important job I will probably ever have - showing Jesus to my kids.
His simple declaration of affection caused me to pause and seriously consider…
Do my words point to the loving kindness a Savior?
Do my actions paint a picture of a God who is slow to anger and full of mercy?
Does my discipline demonstrate a Father who cares more about my character than my capabilities?
I am not perfect, I will never be perfect, and I cannot show them Jesus by trying to be the perfect parent. But I can do my best to serve and obey Him, and when I mess up I can ask and receive His forgiveness. And as I do this, my kids will be watching. Lord, help me look like Jesus.
Promise for today:
Psalm 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
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