Where is the child in me?

Our children are life's teachers

exposing us as they grow

showing us God's true love

in ways we didn't know.

They have fresh eyes and open hearts

and are as honest as the day is long.

They are selfish and hurt those they love

but usually admit when they are wrong.

They fully live each moment they're given

with out concern of what will be.

In they're innocent wonder of the world

they behold the miracle with simplicity.

Why do our years cover this beauty

that is a child's delight?

Why are we fearful and cautious

stumbling as if we've lost our sight.

Our children are our teachers

giving us new eyes to see.

Lord, I'm so tired of being old

please wake the child in me.

Keeping My Hands Open

Outwardly today is like any other ordinary day yet as I sit here in front of my computer with my coffee I feel such joy bubbling out of me I can't help but share it. I've recently read a book by Ann Voskamp titled "one thousand gifts". This book has opened my eyes and helped me truly see God in the small moments of my everyday ordinary life. I am wholeheartedly practicing to find His love and gifts of grace throughout my day without rushing past each minute in search of what's next.

This morning, I could have easily been swept up in the anxious rush of getting the girls ready and out the door. Instead I took a few minutes as I dressed to really breathe the Lord in and open my hands and heart to receive what he had for me today. This small act of obedience planted a seed and already in just the few hours since I have enjoyed the sweet way the Lord has watered and nurtured me.

We did the things that needed done and got out the door. As we were getting settled in the van to take Kaley to school she asked me, "Mommy, do you know what I wished after school yesterday?" I said, "No, can you tell me?" I didn't feel rushed and I really wanted to hear her. She said, " I wished that I would never be naughty ever again." This made me smile and I sensed the opportunity before me. I said, " You know, we don't have to worry about what happens tomorrow or about the ever agains, we just have to give God right now and ask Him to help us. We do our personal best and trust God with the rest. We don't even have to wish it and see what happens we just stop and pray and ask God." She was listening, really listening and asked me if I would pray this for her when we said our prayers on the way to school. My heart felt light and so full of happy. As I was driving we prayed and I shared Philippians 4:13 with her and had her repeat it after me. As she got out of the van at school I encouraged her to try to remember the verse and she said she would try to remember.

I am so glad I slowed down this morning and invited the Lord into my day. Not only was He able to help me train up my precious 5 year old daughter in Himself but as my Heavenly Father He spoke such love to me. I cannot wait to see all that God has to show me today and even now I reject the the enemy and his lies. I will not be distracted and swept up in anxious thoughts becoming ungrateful and dissatisfied. Thank you, Lord Jesus for this day, for these minutes and for your loving plan for me. I will keep my hands open for you to rearrange your gifts as you choose. Grow in me a little more today. Amen.