Glow in the Dark

Sunday mornings are never easy.  Occasionally I hear the song play on the radio.
 
Cuz I'm easy...
 Easy like Sunday morning.  

I scoff and mumble.  The singer must not have children.
It was such a morning at our home.  Coffee was brewing.  People were showering. And two children were putting together and puzzle in the faint morning light on the dining room floor. It wasn't just any puzzle. It was a glow in the dark puzzle.

Most glow in the dark items operate on the premise of being "charged"  by sunlight to glow.  I realized the puzzle had been in a dark box and was now in  a poorly lit room.  There was no way this thing would glow.  It needed to be charged by the light.

"I'm going to turn on the light,"  I said flipping the switch on.  "If you don't let the light shine, it wont glow in the dark."

As soon as I spoke the words, God spoke to my heart.  I must take time to get "charged" in the light: His presence and His word.  If I settle for the safety of a box, if I am satisfied with the dimly lit room, I will never glow the way I was created to glow in the dark.

Let's stay charged so we can glow in the dark.

He's perfect enough...

Children have a way of remind us of all our imperfections.  Sometimes they announce it in front of everyone.  My 8 year old was listening intently as his teacher spoke.  His older brother was listening as he raised his hand and said, "That's like my mom.  She tells us to do stuff that she doesn't do herself."

Ouch.

Older brother recounted the incident word for word.  The eight year old stood smiling.

"What?!"  he sputtered out in sly shock and innocent self defense, " It's  true."

It took me a moment to respond.

"You're right,"  I replied, "that is why it is so important to keep our eyes on Jesus and not other people.  People will always disappoint us and let us down. But Jesus never will."

Prayer gives me perspective, reminding me Jesus is perfect enough for the both of us.  

Spouses

I picked up an great prayer list yesterday.  "Pray for Your Child's Future Spouse"  the title read.   The words penetrated my heart.  Stewardship is much of what parenting is all about.  God gives you children to love, nurture and train.  They grow up.  They leave.  It's the way it's meant to be.  I know this, yet somehow the idea of praying for spouses for my children feels painful.  As I read and murmur the words on paper, I feel cold and dry.  Lifeless.  I realize this is not a heartfelt prayer.

I think for a moment about my husband.  Over 12 years we've shared joys and pains together.  We've grown together.  We've changed together.  We've laughed together.  The warmth, affection, respect and loyalty we share has been a sustaining force.  We've challenged one another to seek truth.  We've known one another deeply.  I want this for my children.

I love listening to him play the guitar at the end of a long day.

I try again, uttering words of life and grace for my children and their future partners.  Better?  Yes.  Heartfelt?  Almost.  Maybe I'm just not quite ready to imagine the great plans God has in store for them.

Lord, help me to remember my children don't belong to me.  Give me the strength to keep praying.  Give me grace to guide and give me wisdom to see your plan.  In Jesus' name, Amen.