Providence is quite funny. I still remember one Sunday morning sitting on the bottom row of the bleachers looking across two of my children having a very animated, but quiet, exchange over something important like a pencil, or a toy, or a scarf, listening to the pastor very eloquently describing the sin they were in the midst of committing. I wasn't sure whether to poke them and point at the pastor, or just laugh out loud, as the whole thing bounced off their foreheads. I'm sure that never happens to me, when I'm consumed by my petty sin in the audience of some great sermons.
This morning I decided to read the daily Bible reading to the younger kids while they colored on their new color books. I was reading Job 1-5. Somewhere in there was Job's answer to his family being killed, and all of his property destroyed, "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord." Shortly before we picked up the Bible there was a short kerfuffle about who had colored in whose book, and who started it, and how many pages so and so owed to so and so. We sorted it out and sat down to read.
When I finished reading I asked if anyone had any questions. Nesradine asked some good questions about why the devil can talk to God but we can't. Honestly I am amazed at the depth of questioning I can get from my under 10 crowd. Yikes! It is good and I am glad they ask, even if I have to say, "I'm going to look that up and get back to you tomorrow."
Somehow we got to the fact that everything we have is a gift from God. Job didn't curse God because he recognized that what was taken from him belonged to God from start to finish. He was willing to accept adversity as well as blessing from his Father. I pointed out that their color books were all gifts to them. I asked what they would say if I took their color books away. Would they curse me? Nes got a deep furrow in his little brow and looked very solemn. I pointed out that those color books are not nearly as precious as a father's children. I just love when little everyday things make an impact on their little hearts and they see their sin for what it is.
I have a feeling this year is going to be humbling for me in a thousand ways. I have given out apologies like Christmas gifts this season. I have recognized some sins that I convinced myself where something else. My lack of attention to detail, and running ahead of those who are in charge is getting me into messes. It is a good thing, I am learning to clean up the messes I make day in and day out. Sanctification is a long, slow, daily process. It will be hard to pick the one lesson learned this coming year, I think they will be too many and too close. I'm sure the kids will help me out, they always remember my stinkers so much better than I do.
Today I am thankful for:
Teenage daughters keeping house while I am away
Boys wrestling in the basement
A basement that boys can wrestle in
Senses of humor
Friends starting to return from holiday vacations
Weddings, we are learning a lot from all these folks around us
Crisp winter walks in the snow, that cold really energizes
Time at home with my children, I just like having them around
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