“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.(Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV)
This passage in Deuteronomy helps to guide us in how to prioritize our days with our children.
My priority as a parent is to love the Lord with my whole heart. My children must see this patterned in my own life. Is God’s Word a priority in my life? Do I spend time in the Word? Is obedience to God’s Word evident in my life? If you asked my children who or what is most important in their mother’s life – would they say The Lord? I cannot teach what I do possess. Our children are observing our reactions and responses.
The next part of the verse reminds me my parenting has to be intentional. Every day there are many teachable moments to share about the Lord with my children. How do my children see me respond in difficult moments? When the day didn’t go as planned? Do I have a thankful heart to the Lord for all things? Am I quick to seek forgiveness when I have sinned against them?
We only have our children at home with us for such a short time. As my youngest is now 22 years old – I can assure you, time goes by quickly.
Today is the start of a new day, and God’s mercies are new every day (Lamentations 3:22-23). If you have not been intentional in your parenting begin today. May I remind you daily to stand in God’s grace.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.(Romans 5:1-2 ESV)
God’s continuing presence enables me to continue with confidence in my job as a mom. He promises to give me all that I need to complete the task of raising these children up in His ways. I am not alone and not without guidance. We have access to God’s wisdom.
May you embrace the gift of your children to love them and raise them for Christ.
Judith says
atI’d love you to hop on over to my blog on Monday morning to see a surprise I am passing on to you that was also given to me. Your blog is one of my favorites and I have just so appreciated all the time you have put into sharing and encouraging me.