Mommy Moment ~ On Assignment from God

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

~Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)

As mothers, we have countless, daily opportunities to plant God’s Truth and Love in the hearts and souls of our children. God desires for us to cherish the little (and big) hearts of our children, as a gift from Him. As my children have grown from infants, I have taken this scripture verse to my heart and prayerfully asked God to give me a passion for keeping my children’s hearts. In my quiet times with Him, I have been led in discovering what Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands us to do. The first thing I discovered was my own need for daily time in God’s Word. Prior to this, I routinely attempted to handle each day in my own strength. I often sent “prayer arrows” up to God asking for help, but I was not faithful in seeking God’s wisdom for each day. Giving my early morning time to the Lord gives me the guidance and strength I need to reflect the attributes of the Lord, disciple my children’s hearts and train them in the way they should go. Another foundation in my life to apply this scripture has been through prayer. Having three young children has me on my knees and seeking God’s guidance in all areas of life. It is during these moments of prayer that I cast my concerns, frustrations, prayer needs and desires to the Lord. I strive to humble my heart and confess any sin in my own walk so that I may intercede on behalf of my child. I ask God to touch my child’s heart and reveal Himself to them in a personal way. I also pray for their spiritual development, for future Christian spouses, for God’s will in their life and anything else the Lord lays on my heart. I can honestly say that when I am daily praying for my children, I see a marked difference in their heart attitude as compared to days I do not pray. God shows me in marvelous ways that He does hear and answer my prayers! We might not know this side of Heaven how our prayers have influenced the lives of our children, but we can be confident that God is working in and through them!

So, how did I learn to apply Deuteronomy 6:6-7 in our daily life? God showed me that He wanted me to reflect His joy, love and affection as I trained my children. For me, this meant enjoying them as the treasures that they are. They are unique people whom I love to spend my days with. I laugh at their funny antics, show genuine joy with their presence in my life and lend kindness in my words and by my actions. I share with my children the majesty of God as we discover the beauty all around us. My husband and I strive to train them in God’s commandments through family devotions and Bible readings. They have plenty of opportunities to practice loving others first. They learn obedience in the home, which will mature to obedience in the Lord. Most importantly, I believe that my children will see our passionate love for God and will embrace His love for them as well.

As I was cleaning my young son’s room yesterday, I found a beautifully detailed coloring page that he created. I was moved to tears as I realized the picture was of him, holding a kite on a beautiful sunny day. Written on his kite was the name, “Jesus.” My heart rejoiced and praised the Lord for this Mommy Moment. It was a much needed glimpse of how God is working in the hearts of my precious children, May you be inspired today as you live out your own assignment from God ~ the job is not easy, but we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength we need (Philippians 4:13).