We started with "What did you do today?" Until we began only getting "nothing" for the reply. Then we switched to "What was your highest and lowest point?" Occasionally we would switch the words up and use "dumbest/silliest" or "happiest/most boring" instead. Yes, I know, we're terribly wild.
This method worked for a while, until they grew bored and then began giving the same answer(s) every day. "Lunch" was the highest, silliest, and most meaningful. While "work" or "homework" or even "you asking this question" became the standard response to the most boring... sigh.
Now, as if our conversation is "New and improved" we're onto the level of specific questions. "Did you do jumping jacks in P.E.?" "Did you paint today in art?" "Did you have library today or computer lab?" "What did you eat for lunch?" "Did you play with Peyton and Charlie or Isabella and Isaiah?" Of course I don't ask all of those. -Even I know that there are limits. I only pick one or two depending on their routines. And if your children are older than mine, I'm sure that you have found a whole slew of higher levels of questions.
Anyway, I'm on a trip and it's kind of an unusual circumstance for our house. We were all a little sad about being apart. :( I thought a story might give them something to look forward too. -Particularly at bedtime when everyone wants to snuggle. So, I documented my first day with pictures that I thought that they would like. I formed it into a story and shared a particular highlight toward the end.
In replaying the events, I thought about how; often the highest points of my day are when I feel close to God. He appears in many forms; through conviction, sometimes in kindness of others or even the kindness that he asks me to display. Many times I sense him when speaking to my children. -As if every word that leaves my lips is also what he is saying to me. Other times, it's in nature or just simple scenes throughout the day. (Like in that story; the conversation with the little boy and then the picture of the hole in the sky...) I wish that I knew better how to describe it but in each of those times and in so many others, there is a sudden nearness that I feel in that moment. I am moved.
While I look for and experience those encounters often, I seldom share the details. I don't know if I am too busy or if I just tell myself that they, being so small, can't understand- But for some reason, I just haven't really thought to practice this kind of dialogue. Heck, it was almost an epiphany when a friend said that she read devotions with her kids at night in addition to prayers. I'm not really sure why that didn't occur to me either but it didn't.
I thought about how long it took me to ever start Experiencing God myself. I wondered if and/or how often my children or even my husband feel his presence. Sophie and I have had a few conversations and I do believe that she already has a certain spirituality about her- But in the day-to-day what does HE look like to them? And then it hit me... I should be talking with my children daily or as a family regularly about what his hand looks like.
Perhaps by my looking with the intention of sharing; I will also start being even MORE intentional about looking for him myself. After all, if I don't start talking to them now, how long would it take them to start noticing what his hand looks like? And how many times have I, myself, wished that I had only known how to recognize him sooner?
Maybe time will allow me to post more of the little glimpses between some of the larger posts. **fingers crossed**
If you like this idea but are intimidated by not quite being sure yourself. I encourage you to start. Offer God a prayer and ask him to open your eyes and heart. As it states in John 11:40 "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the Glory of God." God is faithful but it will take your desire and your practice. I too get things wrong. If you're just starting out you can always say "I think it was is this or that". If you do get it wrong, you can also go back and admit that. How much more comfortable will our children be with their mistakes when they see how we can also learn from them.
P.S. I am praying the same prayer with you now. Won't you do the same for me?
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