To the mother of that impulsive, energetic, and sometimes naughty boy. To my friends who have been forced to hear multiple anecdotes about Winston Churchill the last few weeks.
I love that God has entrusted you with the responsibility of teaching your boy to love God, and to show him God’s mighty power, his praises, and the wonderful work he has done.
I love that God has given you this confusing personality in our culture that seems bewildered by the energy of an enthusiastic nonconformist.
I’ve been listening to the lengthy biography of Winston Churchill. It’s a LONG biography, so I’m getting lots of detail. What has struck me repeatedly as I listen is that Winston Churchill was impulsive and restless, just like a few boys I know and love. He was tenderhearted, loved animals and hated to see them suffering. He was intensely curious (for example, once reveling in the experience of assisting friends at a fire that destroyed their house). People misunderstood him. He was brilliant, and was often impatient when he was certain he could do a better job than the people around him could do. (but he struggled in school, and barely passed. His teachers could not figure him out.)
And instead of taking away his impulsiveness, God used it. While others were still analyzing and calculating risks, Winston Churchill took action.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! Psalm 139:14-17
P.S. It’s a LONG book, but here it is if you would like to read or listen to it.
Denise says
Thanks, friend. Your timing is impeccable, as always.
Love, A mom to one of the above mentioned boys.
Lindsay says
Ah, I love this! 🙂 Timothy’s name didn’t just jump out at me, but tackled me and strangled me around the neck as I read…hahaha! I’ve definitely got to check out this book. I always love your recommendations. Thank you, friend!!