We want the best for our kids. We want to see them grow at a steady rate, reach milestones early, succeed and thrive. In our society, we can get caught up in the pressures of athletics and academics. While these have value in our child’s life there is something greater.
One morning I was feeling weighted by the responsibility of mom. My littles are only doing preschool however I already feel the pressure of preparing them, getting them ready, and ultimately setting them up for success. While I was in the midst of thinking about letters, their sounds and how I am going to teach them to read I began to feel another weight. Something far greater than ABC. Leading them to Christ. Is it not more valuable that my babies know Jesus? Is it not my calling to lead them, point them to Christ? I had been caught up in red and blue, 123, circles and trapezoids, and the D says di.
In my heart, I began to panic. Why am I not reading more Bible stories? How do I add more Jesus in our day?
Later that afternoon I was out watering the garden with my 4-year-old. She brought out four little piggies in her fluffy princess kitty purse. As she ran ahead of me toward the house I noticed she dropped a pig. I picked it up and handed it back to her telling her that she needed to be careful when she brings toys outside. At that moment she realized she had lost all of her piggies. She frantically began running around the yard. Losing anything at this age is a huge deal!
I stepped off the concrete pad to begin my search as well. My two younger babies were asleep inside so I knew my time was limited. Quietly I began asking God to show us where the pigs were hiding. Going back inside without the three little pigs would make for a difficult afternoon. Just as I finished praying my eyes caught sight of two more pigs.
My 4-year-old came around the corner of the house. Smiling, I handed her the two pigs.
“God helped me find these pigs. Mommy prayed and asked God to help us find your pigs.”
Right around that time we both spotted the fourth piggy. These pigs were no larger than a quarter. Our lawn was in need of mowing again so the pigs were tucked between blades of grass.
The 4-year-old was ecstatic! She had found all her piggies. While we were rounding the corner of the garage I looked up and thanked God out loud for helping us, for leading us to each pig. In her sweet, shy voice my daughter followed suit, “Thank You, God!”
My heart melted. That was it! Teaching my littles isn’t about how many Bible stories I read to them. No, it is about living everyday life. Walking with Jesus, talking to Him. Living my Christian walk is the most powerful way I can teach my kids. They are watching me. They are learning from me. Who is God to me? What place does He have in my life?
God is faithful to equip us as mothers and fathers. These are His babies and He has beautiful plans for them. We are a piece of that. A piece of leading in the early years.
Parenthood is a beautiful, challenging, heart wrenching, stretching, amazing journey. Parenthood is not light and easy. It is a great responsibility – probably the greatest we have in this life.
Remember Him. Speak His holy name. Your kids are watching and learning. God will faithfully equip you every step of the way.
Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. NIV
Hebrews 13:21 may he equip you with all you need for doing his will.
May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. NLT
