On a random evening, I asked one of my kids if they’d like to go out to eat with me. It was spontaneous and after I said it, I thought, Why did I suggest that? We could probably spend our evening a better way. But I’d said it, so I went with it and while we ate, I was glad I did.
My child had been doubting their relationship with Jesus. Was their faith strong enough? What if Jesus didn’t seem real? Why don’t they think about Godde more? I told them I wonder that too, but we are saved no matter how well we know it or feel it. I said I want to feel Godde through my day too, but it takes practice. I’m still not sure how to remember Her when I’m in the middle of something. “I try to check in between things, like saying prayer before eating—mostly to take a deep breath and say hi to Godde who makes the food into energy-which is amazing.”
Just giving them our attention lets them see they are important, which will make it easier to believe they’re important to Jesus.
I told them I can feel a little crazy and overwhelmed during the day and forget what’s important, but the meal prayers remind me what’s real, like we’re miracles, turning food into actions that ripple out and bless or hurt. Everyone I interact with through my day is a miracle and holds stories I can’t know. Godde loves them and me. Remembering helps me feel less shaky and more safe. By the end of our talk, I could see some peace and confidence in my child’s face.
It’s a relief to know I’m not parenting alone. No matter who we’re trying to share Godde with, She’s helping us make room for listening, without interrupting, so people can open their hearts. And when they do, we don’t have to offer great wisdom. Just giving them our attention lets them see they are important, which will make it easier to believe they’re important to Jesus. And when I want to interrupt with judgey advice, I picture Godde the Shepherd, carrying a lamb. The lamb is held close and allowed to rest on her chest. If words are spoken, they are soothing or maybe She hums so they know things are okay. And I try to be like that.
He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young. Isaiah 40:11
