Over the last couple of years — really since my son was able to make himself understood to people other than my husband and I — I have become painfully aware of my responsibility as a parent and the ability of my choices and actions to influence another human being. In other words, God has been refining me…painfully.
Usually, I realize my influence when I hear something emerge from my son’s mouth that I would rather he had not learned from me. Now don’t get me wrong, I know that overall, I am a good mom. My kids love me, I love them, and they are sweet and well-behaved children. It just seems that it’s usually my slip-ups that coming popping back out of their mouths.
The other night, however, I received an unexpected blessing from God through a moment that reminded me of the positive influence I have on my son.
Earlier in the day, my son had approached me during a busy time and told me that when he said his prayers that evening, he wanted to pray a scripture verse. I was proud of him, but busy. And the moment quickly passed. However, as I was sitting down on his bed that night to hold his hands in prayer, he reminded me that he wanted to pray a scripture. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I was able to look up several verses with my son and guide him in choosing one. What a rush! I almost can’t find a way to express it. He chose Joshua 1:9 — as that one has played a key role in his life recently.
I have to confess to you that praying scripture has not always been a part of my life. In fact, it has only been within the past few months that I have ever intentionally prayed scripture. But, it has become a burning desire within me recently and I was so overjoyed to see…(I’m becoming emotional as I write)…to see my blundered but heartfelt effort received by my Lord God Almighty and showered back down upon me in such a marvelous moment of everyday life. Oh, friends. I wish I could convey to you my heart right now. But I can’t even come close.
Praise God. PRAISE GOD. May it continue so! May my flounderings and failings as a parent be overcome by God’s MAGNIFYING my efforts into victories.
