When the Lights Go Out
January 2009
2 CommentsWhen this post was written: First child (D) was 5 yrs, 7 mo. Second child (B) was 4 yrs, 0 mo. Third child (L) was 2 yrs, 3 mo.
Tonight we lost power for an hour. Thankfully, I had already let the kids talk me into eating by candlelight (you do this sort of thing for poor children who are probably in the throes of grief because their father is on the other side of the earth). As I relit the candles, and found a few more, the children’s reaction was comforting.
They wanted to be close to mom, and reassured that all was well even though something dramatic had changed the predictability of their world. We talked factually about power outages, pioneers, and the blessings of candlelight.
As I put them to bed, I told them that I’d be up for a bit. I left candles in their rooms and started to go out the door to check my…
“Are you going to read your Bible now?” Bethel wanted to know.
“Yes, Bethel, I’m going to read my Bible.” I made that decision a split second before I replied, and I’m glad I did. I realized later that my children were anticipating my response based on a perceived scary event. In other words, they assumed I would read my Bible because they assumed I was as frightened as they were.
I know this is true because after a minute, David asked if I’d read out loud. Again, I was encouraged. How merciful is God! I struggle to read the Bible consistently, am repeatedly convicted about spending more time on the computer with my Bible, but nevertheless deeply desire to love God’s word like my parents did; I have children who have learned in spite of my failings that God and His Word is our refuge.
Praise the Lord. Not unto us be glory, but unto Him.
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- Learning to Be Quiet
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- Evening Devotions
- Teaching Children Repentance
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When the kids were younger, we would frequently eat by candlelight. They especially liked having bacon and pancakes for supper with candles. I haven’t commented in a while – really busy season – but I am praying for your time without your husband.
1 Shelley Gallamore said this (January 24, 2009 at 5:35 pm)
Thanks for your prayers, Shelley. I need to do candles more.
btw, I was excited to read on your blog that you’re doing Peacemakers for your youth at your church. How is it going?
2 Michelle said this (January 28, 2009 at 12:34 am)