Kids, Christmas, and Me
This time of year I am always trying to help parents and kids not forget the "real Christmas" And all year long, i'm challenging parents to be "spiritual parents" to their kids. To nurture their kids' relationships with God foremost.
But i know that as i talk about that stuff i make it sound easier than it is.
Because i'm often at a loss for HOW to do this myself with my two young girls. I often worry about my own ability to be a "Spiritual parent" and how to help my girls embrace what Christ offers to them. I guess i'm paranoid that since i'm a pastor that my kids are guaranteed to turn into godless, rotten humans. And that would break my heart.
I got a reprieve the other night though. Something happened that showed me that maybe something is getting thru.
Our 3 year old will often wake up at night and yell for me saying she's had a bad dream. I'll go in, rub her back and say a prayer with her to help her go back to sleep. This happens a lot, which makes me wonder if she's really having bad dreams or if she's just figured me out.
So, the other night she woke up with a bad dream. I was really tired so i went in and just slumped down on the floor by her bed and told her to go back to sleep. It grew quiet for about 20 seconds and then she sat straight up and said, "But Dad, you didn't pray for me!"
That was music to my ears, it's not a big thing but it was so cool for me to see her dependence on God growing. There's nothing that i'd like them to know more.
And for a moment i felt like i was off the hook on this "spiritual parenting" thing. I guess i'm not failing that miserably... it's a small start, but like so much of life, maybe it's the small things that really make a difference.
2 Comments:
awwww. love it :)
hope you guys have a VERY merry Christmas... much love from us..
-Jessie (& Erica) Still
man i miss shar... you are right julie, she did have a huge impact and she always reminded us that it was the small things that counted as parents.
For those who don't know, Shar was our minister of family life here at St. Matt. She was one of the most incredible people i've ever worked with. She went to Heaven last month after a long battle with cancer.
I've been meaning to blog in tribute to her, it's still too fresh. Thanks for bringing these thoughts into the conversation
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