Where is He?

It was my desire, when I became a mother, that God should be part of my children's daily lives and conversations. I had no idea how to accomplish that really, as He was still not part of my own daily life and conversations.

One thing I used to do with Big Sister was take her to the window in the mornings after lifting her from her crib. I would open the blinds and say, "Look at the beautiful day God has made for us." One time, she began to peer out into the yard. She said, "Wheah is he? I not see him out dere." I pointed to her little chest and said, "He's in your heart." At which point, my very literal child pulled her shirt out and looked down. "Wheah?"

Of course, we have the usual suspects when we're trying to incorporate faith into our daily lives. Going to Sunday School (one hour out of 168). The prayer at mealtimes (often neglected). The prayer at bedtimes (often rote).

I think for little guys, it seems to work best if you yourself are constantly on the lookout for God in the details. They are discovering the world around them - point out how wonderfully God made that puppy they love or the creek they are splashing in. When they're hurt, pray out loud that God will heal them and take away the pain. If it's their feelings that are hurt, pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort them. As mine have gotten older, I've often been slapped in the face with a problem that I've looked at every which way and still cannot solve. Then I hear a little voice saying, "Mom, let's just pray about it." Duh, why didn't I think of that??

I can be reticient about praying with them for their little hurts and needs. I sometimes think, What if it doesn't work out? What if God doesn't answer, and it shakes their faith? I am learning to leave that entirely up to God...He knows better what they need and how they need to receive it. He's made promises to us, and as I meditate on them (sometimes clinging to them for dear life), He reminds me that He always keeps His promises, not  just to me but to them as well. He also shows me what He's made of when I'm allowed to witness answers to their sweet prayers. I've seen pain lessened, ouchies healed, feelings soothed and Comfort dispensed.

These are the ordinary miracles of being a mother.

What are some ways you see God in the details of your child's life? How do you invite Him into your daily lives?

Comments are always welcome!