TEACHING AND LEARNING AT THE SAME TIME

 

I love to pray I really do.  I spend time reading and praying with and for my children in the morning and during the day.   However I must confess that I am notorious for praying really QUICK prayers with my children at NIGHT.   Most nights I am ready for them to go to B.E.D.  I am not one of those moms that sit and read 20 books and say lengthy prayers before bed.  Don’t judge me.  Last night I was in supermom mode, maybe the nice weather had something to do with it. I did the let’s read lots of stories together thing. Ten minutes into it, I was reminded of why I read in the day and not the night.  Two of the children started fighting with each other. My warm fuzzy feelings turned into utter frustration.  I wrapped up the story and before I left the room, my 7 year old asked me to pray for him.  I was getting ready to pray and he said, “Can you come put your hands on my head and pray more than 5 words!” Excuse me, did he just call me out?  I had no idea that he caught on to my quick night time praying habits.  He then gave me his request, “mommy please pray that I won’t be afraid to tell other people about Jesus even if I get in trouble for it.”  I prayed…and it was more than 5 words.

His prayer request was an answer to prayers that I have prayed for my children.  I desperately want them to love Jesus with a contagious love. I want them to share their faith with boldness without concern for their reputation or the penalty.  I want their actions to prove that it is not about them but about Christ who lives in them. I want them to be ok with not blending in but fearlessly standing out for Christ.  I want them to make the choice to serve their creator when they are young and invite their friends to do the same. It’s in moments like these that I am reminded that I am raising up warriors for the Kingdom!  It is a privilege and a great responsibility.   I must be diligent in not only teaching them with words but also demonstrating what it means to be a fearless servant for Christ. As I teach, I am also learning.

Blessings

Anika