This morning I read about David's desire to build a temple for God in 1 Chronicles 22. God told David the temple would be built by his son, Solomon. I love what David did next. He gathered everything Solomon would need, making preparations so that his son would be fully equipped to complete the work. Then, instead of doing the work for him, or in his name, David charged Solomon by saying, "Now set your heart and your soul to seek The Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of The Lord..."
In this account, there is a powerful challenge to me as a mom. Do I prepare and equip my children for great spiritual work? I equip them for great educational work, buying curriculum, taking months to prepare for each upcoming school year. I search out programs and activities to add to their educational experience. I agonize over college choices and decisions, always desiring the best for them in the academic field.
I equip them for great sports competition. I buy shoes and bikes and whatever is necessary to give them an edge in their sport. I arrange schedules, attend practices, watch games and races, cheering them on to success. I encourage them to give their best on their playing field.
I equip them to enjoy great relationships. I create opportunities for them to invite friends over. I seek out families with children their ages and build relationships to provide time to spend together. I buy play equipment, games and toys to be shared with others. I encourage them to reach out and to get involved with other kids their age, all so they will be happy, healthy and well-adjusted in the field of friendship.
But, the challenge to my heart this morning is not about equipping my children to be happy or healthy or even well-adjusted. The challenge to my heart this morning is about equipping my children to be holy. God told David He would use Solomon to build the Temple. I must seek God for His desire in the lives of my children. When David learned God's heart for His work, he set out to prepare everything his son would need to follow and fulfill God's desire.
Today, my thoughts are turned to God's desire for my children. I want to know how He is leading for their future. I want to seek His face on their behalf. As He begins to reveal His will, I want to do all I can to make them ready, equipping them and preparing them for all He has planned.
Today, I'll share His Word with them. I'll purpose to spend more time choosing a good study Bible than I do choosing the right pair of running shoes or math curriculum for them. I'll also purpose to study each child to see their special, unique spiritual gifts and find outlets for them to practice serving in those gifts. I'll pray and let God lead me in this preparation process, following through with His provision and His direction. And then, I'll watch as He takes my little ones and makes them into spiritual giants in whatever Harvest Field He places them. I know for a fact His field is better than any other field they could play on, and His work is greater than any other work they could achieve in their lifetime. His rewards will be greater than any end of the year trophy or any finish line medal they could win. They will be happy and healthy and well-adjusted when they follow Him because they will be holy. This is my prayer for my children. Oh, Lord, may it be so.
How about you? Are you challenged to equip your little ones for something greater?
Thank you Stephanie for writing this it is beautiful and for saying what is in so many of our mommy's hearts, but we cannot seem to express correctly. I tell you sweet friend I have really stressed lately because life and "the system" tells you all these things your children should be doing, but as a Christian there is that Holy Spirit guiding, small voice telling, conviction burning that will not allow you to always do things "the systems/worlds" way! I have told Danny lately, "that is what makes this parenting time so stressful is wanting to raise these children for God's glory and His way and calling in a fallen world." I was beginning to lose sleep. I was not trusting God. The Lord has sent a few sweet friends and mentors my way to remind me what deep down I knew in my heart. That still small voice is asking me to give it ALL to HIM. I told Danny as we lay beside each other this morning in the bed, "I want to be sure this year I have captured their heart, I love unconditionally, I show grace and discipline when needed, and most of all I do not say daily we need to do this to get into college, but rather say to the children...what might you do today to bring glory to God? What might you give God today? What in your life can matter for all of eternity?" Now, I know they must be able to support a family one day and they have to keep their physical bodies in good condition like you mentioned in the blog, and that is where like you we are so distracted. I do not know a better word in my life right now to use than distracted. The system, the demands, life's ways and rules of living are a must, but sometimes weary and very distracting from the eternal. May we intentionally give these children over to the Father and intentionally ask, "What are we going to do to bring glory to God?" That is what man was created for. Life happens and boy, life is sure busy. With the Lord's help and not my own strength may I raise them to do whatever God wants them and calls them to do. In this present age---Girl, sweet friend, That just is not easy!!! and Trust HIM with it ALL!
ReplyDeleteOh, my precious friend, I so wish we were still in the trenches beside one another. Our sweet boys need each other and I am so thankful their friendship remains strong. You ane your family are such a blessing to us. I'm praying for you as you parent and raise up three warriors for The Lord! Love you!
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