What if your children never saw you cry? Would that be a good thing? More importantly, what if they never saw what to do when mom is sick or sad or afraid?
Children don’t tend to like tears. They don’t like being reminded that they are vulnerable. And when their rock– mom and dad– appears unstable, they feel their vulnerability more acutely.
But what if we show them by words and deeds that there is a rock higher than we are?
- “Mommy isn’t feeling well, but I can remember that God knows everything and will help me. That makes me feel better.”
- Or, “Mommy is sad right now. I always feel better when I read the Bible and remind myself that God loves me.”
- “Jesus tells us not to be afraid when scary things happen. Nothing happens out of His will.”
Then, when scary things happen to our children, they’ll know where to go. Like when a computer was stolen from out of our house at night. Or when faced with a scary thunderstorm. Or when someone they love is hurting.
So, when mom is feeling sick, does she find comfort from the computer (brainless time) or the Bible? Ouch. Guess I need to get out my Bible and reevaluate my priorities.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,
when my heart is overwhelmed:
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2