This is where you will find me every morning. With two young kids and a whirlwind of activity characterizing this season of my life, most days I wake up just a little bit before my family to spend some time alone with God. It's one of the only time the house is quiet and I can go five minutes without hearing a sweet little voice call out "Momma," which translates to "Come here, please I need you."
I didn't think anyone was watching me during these quiet times alone. But I was wrong. This week I realized someone was spying.
A few days ago, my husband suggested to me that our daughter, Mackenzie, is ready to spend some time studying God's Word on her own. Up to this point, we have read a Bible story with her each night at bedtime and discussed it as a family. But he recognized her spiritual growth recently and felt we needed to encourage her to start her own quiet time.
I found a book, 365 Day Starter Devos for Girls, and proudly presented it to her, suggesting that she begin reading it each morning on her own. She willingly agreed, and our conversation ended.
The next morning I walked into the kitchen and this is what I found…
I didn't think anyone was watching me during these quiet times alone. But I was wrong. This week I realized someone was spying.
A few days ago, my husband suggested to me that our daughter, Mackenzie, is ready to spend some time studying God's Word on her own. Up to this point, we have read a Bible story with her each night at bedtime and discussed it as a family. But he recognized her spiritual growth recently and felt we needed to encourage her to start her own quiet time.
I found a book, 365 Day Starter Devos for Girls, and proudly presented it to her, suggesting that she begin reading it each morning on her own. She willingly agreed, and our conversation ended.
The next morning I walked into the kitchen and this is what I found…
I never told her she should get a notebook and sit at this table to read her morning passage then journal about a few things God had spoken to her heart. I didn't have to because she had been watching.
When I saw her sitting in the same seat that I occupy every morning with God's Word laid out on her right and a white spiral sprawled out on her left, a lump formed in my throat. Sometimes I forget the influence I have on my son and my daughter. Looking at Mackenzie made it so real.
Little eyes are watching every move I make.
Little ears are listening to every word I speak.
Little feet are following every step I take.
As parents we have an awesome privilege of raising up a generation to love and serve the Lord. A generation who stands on the solid foundation of their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is equipped to serve wherever He calls them, and who is willing to be used for the Glory of His Name.
And with this privilege also comes a heavy responsibility because the next generation is watching you and me. My son and my daughter are examining the foundation on which I stand. They are weighing what I say against what I do. And they are learning to stand on their own by watching my walk.
Your children are watching you too, maybe even when you think you are alone.
Promise for today:
A righteous man who walks in his integrity - how blessed are his sons after him. Proverbs 20:7
When I saw her sitting in the same seat that I occupy every morning with God's Word laid out on her right and a white spiral sprawled out on her left, a lump formed in my throat. Sometimes I forget the influence I have on my son and my daughter. Looking at Mackenzie made it so real.
Little eyes are watching every move I make.
Little ears are listening to every word I speak.
Little feet are following every step I take.
As parents we have an awesome privilege of raising up a generation to love and serve the Lord. A generation who stands on the solid foundation of their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is equipped to serve wherever He calls them, and who is willing to be used for the Glory of His Name.
And with this privilege also comes a heavy responsibility because the next generation is watching you and me. My son and my daughter are examining the foundation on which I stand. They are weighing what I say against what I do. And they are learning to stand on their own by watching my walk.
Your children are watching you too, maybe even when you think you are alone.
Promise for today:
A righteous man who walks in his integrity - how blessed are his sons after him. Proverbs 20:7
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