The other night came across a journal I kept right after I had Bethel, when David was 16 months old. What struck me the most was the intensity with which I wrote about teaching David spiritual truths.
In the past, I’ve shocked a few people with “low expectations,” because I tend to think smart parents overestimate their children’s ability to understand abstract concepts. Now, I shocked myself because my youngest daughter is 26 months, significantly older in terms of comprehension, and I think I’ve been rather narrow in instruction lately.
I was particularly challenged not to expect my youngest child to simply “absorb” the instruction I give to the older two. So I prayed for an opportunity to spend some time with her, and God provided!
I’m certain God knew I needed a nudge at such a time as this, because baby has been more fussy than usual and needs more mom time. Since I’m rather scatterbrained, I missed the need and was simply chalking it up as mere fussiness and irritability.
The other afternoon, we sat together with my fuzzy blanket and talked. We talked about what and whom God sees. Does God see Mollie? [the dog] Does God see Laurel? Does God see Bethel cleaning her room [a little louder just in case Bethel was listening]? Does God see Laurel sharing with David? Does God see when Mommy tickles Laurel? Laurel likes these question games and we kept going as long as she was interested. I want my children to rejoice in God’s omniscience like King David.
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; Psalm 139:1-6
Now I’m praying for more opportunities to teach simple truths to my little one, and giving thanks to God for the wisdom that he gives at just the right moment.
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