My hair grew!!

 

Good friends bring you Starbucks when they visit. 

Faithful friends point each other to Christ. 

It is always hard to offer advice to others. I almost always feel like I am in no position to do so. Which is generally true. But when it comes to encouraging someone in the Lord, I am growing more and more comfortable. 

Our children have a reputation. This has been true of them ever since we can remember. It is this: Though they are many, they can sit somewhere quietly. That's it. Strangers that have no idea the level of depravity they are capable of expressing, dote on and compliment them. Simply for sitting down quietly (usually in a place where it is absolutely necessary and appropriate to do so) church, symphonies, mock-trials, concerts, meeting, etc.  

This has posed a problem of sorts for some parents who then esteem that we are some kind of experts. We're not, and I don't mean that in a self-loathing, or false humility kind of way . I'm serious. We only seek to be faithful. We fail. Often. But the Lord is gracious and kind. His mercies renew every mourning. He has given us a desire to pursue faithfulness in our parenting for His glory and the benefit of our children.

We try to keep things simple in our daily lives. I'm afraid people want a formula to make their children sit quietly at events. But I submit that this training starts long before they even get to the doors. Our days are overwhelmingly quiet. Unless you count the concerts they put on, the running and screaming that occurs, the hide and go seeks, the tag games, and more recently, Uno. 

But they days are quiet. The children are not constantly bombarded with images, videos, gadgets, toys and trinkets that have a significant effect on their attention spans and ability to process and understand real life events. We are not always on the go. Running here and there and everywhere. They read. Often. And they play. 

They are also encouraged to listen. Listen to each other as they tell elaborate stories, sing hymns, put on plays, recite poetry. Listen to us as we give instructions. Listen to the voice on the other end of the phone and respond. Listen to the audiobook as they play with trains or play doh. Listen for the sound of the train, or the garbage truck. Listen for our neighbor's saxophone as he practices the Star-Spangled Banner, again. 

Listen, really listen to Jackie, as her two year old tongue tries to ask for something. 

And I must listen. Listen to the tattle-tales. The almost inaudible requests for things they are so sure I will say "no" that they are barely able to say them. Listen to the hushed tones of their conspiring. Listen out for the baby's cry after I've put him down for a nap. Listen for the almost certain mischief Jackie is getting into when I cannot hear her. Listen for the thundering of her feet against the hardwood floors which tells me she's running to the potty! Listen for the special ringtone that lets me know Oli is calling. 

Listening is a very important part of our way of life. I'm afraid long before we ever step foot in a situation that requires their attention and stillness, they've practiced it. They're public behaviour is a reflection of what happens in private. 

Woe to Oli and I, if we think that our children's ability to sit somewhere quietly is some kind of  accomplishment. What a wonderfully low standard. We want more for them. 

So much more. 

Our greatest hope is that as they sit and listen to the word preached on Sunday mournings, the Lord by His Spirit would save them!

LORD may they one day be still and  know that You alone are God. 

*pictured: my friend Samantha and I. pictures taken September 4, 2020 and June 24, 2021