As a mom of two growing boys, I find myself reflecting on how it is all going. Where are areas that I can improve on and where am I finding myself stuck in routine that might need a change. I have always tried to keep everything in balance and moderation. It’s the parent rule book I tend to go by. If my kids have too many video games, then we need to balance that out with some time outside running around. They can’t have sugar all day, but a little is okay with me if they are eating other healthy foods. I’ve been quiet the believer in this balance act, but recently I’m struggling to know what the correct “balance” is when it comes to teaching these boys about Jesus and raising them to have radical faith.
The reason I have been pondering this, is that sometimes we can get stuck in routine of making sure we are going to church, having devotional time, saying our bedtime prayers, but knowing that there is so much more beyond that. These things are important and should be done in our homes, but today I am challenged with setting our lives apart from the worldly balance act and digging deeper into what He is telling us to do.
God is too great to be put into the balance and moderation routine; there is simply nothing to balance Him with. I believe the reason us moms can make this difficult is that we try so hard to “fit” Him into our moderation and balance that no matter how many tasks we do to keep Him at the center of our lives and homes, it feels like not enough. We must seek beyond the checklist and tasks of keeping Him near and remember that the greatest faith builder in your child’s life is simply watching you and the family around them. 1 John 4:4 says, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
We have the great, creative Holy Spirit living in us. If we want to raise radical, faith believing children to go and do great things for the Kingdom of God, then we MUST rely on Holy Spirit to guide, teach and help us in keeping Him at the center of our lives in creative ways! Today is a reminder to go beyond the normal routine of “Jesus checklists” and ask Him for more! This doesn’t mean more tasks, this means just following His precious voice, and doing things spontaneously and in His timing and rhythm throughout our days. We never know how this can impact our children.
Last night, I sat at the piano, and I started singing “A Christmas Alleluia”. It reminded me of a moment when George was little, and this song had recently come out. I was overwhelmed by it and sat on my kitchen floor and started worshiping. George came and sat on my lap, and before long there was my sweet boy with eyes closed and both hands in the air. After we were done, he looked at me and said, “I love Jesus so much.” I’ll never forget that moment. I saw genuine love and adoration for God out of my four-year-old. A pure moment of spontaneous worship led George to an encounter with Him. Let’s strive to go beyond the routine, and trust God to encounter our children in new and great ways.
“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13
Emily Rodewald 