My little red headed niece, Samantha, came stomping in the door Sunday afternoon and marched right up to my elbow in the kitchen.
I was leaning over the oven, checking the pot roast. She planted herself firmly at my side, crossed her arms and boldly proclaimed: “I’m praying for you cause you don’t go to church!”
Puzzled, I said, “WHAT are you talking about? I’m always at church!” Her little freckled face crinkled in concern, she eyeballed me up and down with those BIG blue eyes and said, “Well I never SEE you there!”
I stood up, shut the oven door and looked at that little red headed bundle of concern for my soul. Oh that we all loved so much that we spoke that boldly!
I explained to her how as soon as they said ‘amen,’ I’m out the door on the way home so I can finish getting dinner ready to put on the table. I could see that she was thinking about that.
The look of relief on that little face–it was SO graphic! She unfolded her arms, physically relaxed, grinned real big and sighed, “OHhhhh, ok—that makes sense.” I assured her that I loved the Lord with all my heart and that being with God’s people encouraged me. Throwing her arms around me she whispered, “I love you, Aunt Annie.”
As adults, we don’t think that little kids pay attention to what we do. Truthfully, not only do they see what we do, they see the things we don’t do and wonder why. Perhaps you enjoy the seclusion of your bedroom to do your daily devotions and talk with the Lord. “Baby blue eyes” only notice they never see you read your Bible.
You may be having a rough morning getting organized but all “baby blue eyes” see is that getting ready for church makes you mad.
Make sure that you allow your children to see you with your Bible in hand. Make sure your children know you pray. Set aside daily strife and let those eyes see you happy to go to church.
Our actions/attitudes speak much more to our children than our words. Children can’t read your mind or your heart, all they know is what their eyes see and their ears hear.
I Thessalonians 2:7-8 For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.