I’ve not done very well this week at speaking God’s truth to my kids. The secular, “good mom” in me crops up, more concerned with academics and good nutrition than spiritual growth. I’m praying that God will help me to see what the next spiritual step is for my children. Hmph. Me too, for that matter. I mentioned a little bit ago to my nephew that when I’m in a spiritual funk, I read Psalm 119. Maybe I’ll read that for our breakfast conversation (which frankly hasn’t happened in the last few weeks).
As I think about it, we have had some spiritual conversations after all. Several times in the last month, Laurel (nearly 3) has said “I can’t stop crying” for some reaon or another, usually because she didn’t get her way and has cried herself into a frenzy. It’s given me the opportunity to talk about replacing wrong thoughts with right ones.
My response is “That’s because you are thinking unhappy thoughts. Start thinking right thoughts, and then you can stop crying.” Then I ask her what good thoughts she can use to replace the bad thoughts. She doesn’t get it, and I always end up supplying some good thoughts, usually highlights from her day. I am pretty sure I did this with David long ago.
Perhaps it would be better for me to direct her thoughts towards God and not just her circumstances: God’s goodness. God’s love that sent His son for us. Otherwise, I’m still a secular mom teaching her child how to be happy in external things. I’m going to try this next time it comes up, and I’m quite certain it will come up again.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:8-9
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3