How you live your life matters for so many reasons. Your kids are watching you. They see the real you – flaws and all. I might be able to convince people over the internet or even in real life that I’m a pretty amazing person, but my kids see the real me. They see me when life is going well, but they also see me in life’s greatest disappointments and in those everyday constant struggles. And they watch to see how we as parents react. As we embark on this chivalry challenge and focus on the first aspect of the code to “Love God,” my prayer for you and for me, is that our children see that we love God and we rely on Him for everything. My prayer is that we can model how to relate to God in the every day moments of life – in both the good times, as well as in the struggle.
I know the impact this can have, because this was my story. My parents were far from perfect. But they loved God. They cried out to Him in their time of need. It was clear that they both enjoyed being with God, talking about God, and living a radical life that was different than the average person… and this all stemmed from their love for God.
My dad cherished his time in the Word. I’ll never forget running through the forest near a creek on a camp-out one summer day, looking for the perfect hiding place during a game with some friends when I burst into a small, secluded clearing. There he sat in his folding chair, Bible in his lap. He had a far-away look in his eye and I could tell he was praying. As quietly as I could, I slipped away. He did not take a vacation from God. No, he was eager to spend time with him whenever and wherever. To this day when I need prayer, he is one of the first people I think to approach.
My parents would talk about what they were reading in the Word over dinner or how to react to some situation in life as Jesus would. It modeled to us that we could talk about anything at anytime. It modeled to us that talking about God and talking to God was a normal everyday occurrence. We quickly sought ways to join the conversation.
We even learned to draw close to God in our mess. I grew up with an incredible mom, but she certainly wasn’t patient all the time. My mom struggled with patience and anger. We knew this as kids and would intentionally push her buttons. (Yep, kids do that sometimes.) I also knew the pain and frustration of trying to figure out how to make her happy when she was impatient with us and yet I also watched her diligently turn to God time and time again for help. And you know what? That is what stands out to me now. Instead of the times when she failed, I remember her crying in her room with her Bible open. I remember her coming to us and asking for forgiveness. I remember her encouragement as we all worked as a family in navigating how to live and learn together in harmony. I remember wanting to grow up to become like her. Her raw reliance on the Lord and growth in this area had a profound impact on us.
Love on your kids. Love God with your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And then invite your children into the adventure by showing them what it means to have an EVERYDAY FAITH.
Look for ways to Live out an EveryDay Faith by Seeking
EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS
Everyday conversations are essential. Look for ordinary opportunities to talk about the things of God. Point out his beautiful creation. When someone gets hurt – stop and pray. Everyday conversations include both talking about God and talking with God. Look for ways to include these aspects in the everyday rhythms of life. How can you be more intentional about that this month?
EVERYDAY BREAD
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”(Matthew 4:4)
Get yourself and your children into the Word of God. Set some goals to make personal devotions a priority in your home. With busy schedules, this can be a challenge, but it is absolutely essential.
Consider adding Scripture reading time to a meal. Our favorite meal to add this to is breakfast. We often have things going in the evening which makes it difficult to be consistent at dinner. But taking even 10 minutes each morning to read a section of Scripture and discuss it is powerful. It communicates the vital importance of a relationship with God and also opens up communication around the things of God that pave the way for more everyday conversations… We love using this Bible Reading printable that I made available a few years ago.
EVERYDAY WORSHIP
Worshiping God through song is also powerful. Look for opportunities to incorporate this into everyday life. In our family we do this in the morning before we start our school day. Other families listen to worship music and sing along in the car on the way to school. A friend of mine has worship music playing in the background while they are at home and they have all noticed a huge difference in how they relate to one another as well as to the Lord when they started doing this and a nosedive towards discord when they took a break for a while.
Sometimes this might involve selecting some songs to learn. Other times, it might mean giving them the freedom to choose. We set up a folder in YouTube and I allowed them to add a few songs and I added a couple. Each morning one child gets to pick a song and I get to select one. Their selections are not one’s I would pick – but they sing them with heart-felt gusto. And that is what matters!
Don’t Give Up on Your Kids (or Yourself)!
There will be ups and downs along the way. There will be days when you are in tears and interceding for your kids and days when you feel like a failure as a parent. Draw close to God. Love Him. Seek Him. Ask for guidance along the way. He will sustain you. The most important thing you can do is to pray. Pray for your kids. Pray for yourself. And then walk forward in obedience with what God has called you to do as you draw your kids into an everyday faith.
It’s not to late to join the Chivalry Challenge!
We are in the first month of the 2018 Chivalry Challenge. It’s not to late grab your book (aff link) and join us. You can just merge the first two aspects of the code from now through the end of March!
Challenge Your Boys to Love God
This is so encouraging!! Thank you!!