As parents, we’re all doing our best to convey our values to our kids. And if we have faith, we are also hoping they will grow to share that faith in time.
Once in awhile, I am blessed with a reminder that my efforts are being rewarded.
Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting at my computer doing routine admin stuff when my daughter appeared at my side.
“I thought you were at Emma’s* house, honey?”
“I was. But then she and the others started watching a show I didn’t think you’d like me to watch. So I left.”
“Really? What show was it?”
“I don’t know.”
She awkwardly pushed herself into my lap – and she’s ten, so she doesn’t fit there so easily anymore. I hugged her and asked,
“What was it about?”
“Ghosts, I think. It gave me a bad feeling. I thought I shouldn’t be there.”
“A bad feeling where?” I asked, suspecting she wasn’t talking about a ‘Scooby-doo’ ghost.
She pointed to her stomach.
So I asked,
“Do you know why you felt that? Do you know Who was talking to you?”
“God.”
“Yes,” I said. And I am so proud of you for listening to Him. It took courage and strength to leave that situation, and I am amazed and so glad that you did.”
She gave a big smile of relief and went off to spend the rest of the afternoon with her brothers. By bedtime last night, the three of them were worn out from laughing and wrestling so much.
Make no mistake, there is a war going on for our children’s hearts. And today, I am so thankful my daughter is growing strong and skilled in fighting back. She heard and obeyed the Voice that has promised to lead her on the path of peace and joy.
On the way of wisdom I direct you,
I lead you on the straightforward paths.
When you walk, your step will not be impeded,
and should you run, you will not stumble.
Hold fast to instruction, never let her go;
keep her, for she is your life.
-Proverbs 4:11-13
*Not her real name.