Teachable Moments in the Chaos
A simple trip to the mall didn’t seem like a big deal. But when you have three young children, nothing is simple, and everything feels like a big deal. From the start, this trip was headed down a rocky road, but I had things I needed to get. I rarely go to the mall, so I was going to have to just suck it up. We took our time, and did fun things like frozen yogurt and seeing the puppies to keep the kids happy.
But when my 18-month-old son needed a diaper change, I realized to my horror that I forgot the diaper bag. We went out to the car to no avail—I could not find a diaper. I thought about driving to a nearby store where I knew they sold diapers, but that meant buckling car seats, putting away the stroller, unbuckling, slowly walking through the store to the back (why are all the necessary items in the back?), all with my kids begging me for something they want to buy. I may as well go home at that point.
So we went back into the mall, into a large department store. Surely, they would have a diaper kit for sale. I asked the salesman if they sell diaper kits. As he was calling, a nice young mom asked me what size my son was. I told her, and her response was, “Well, you’re in luck. I have that size!” I thanked her immensely, and went on with my shopping trip. I was even more thankful that there was not a hint of judgment from her.
I wanted to come unglued. How could I have forgotten something like that on a “long” trip? But, the Lord showed me grace in the form of another mother, and I accepted it.
In my devotion, I read Psalm 119:17, “Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word.” What the Lord was showing me through this verse was that our bounty is our offspring, our children. That our lineage is the legacy that lives on through His word.
I often put unrealistic expectations on what life looks like as a mother. Beautiful pictures I see on my phone somehow translate: That is what life is supposed to look like. In reality, the stories like the one that happened at the mall happen more often than not. Chaos rules in my life in the season I’m in. I know it will not always be that way, but right now, in that chaos are the most teachable moments in my children’s lives. Let me be clear; we need to actively teach our children about the Word of God, but sometimes actions really do speak louder than words. My reaction is what my children see, and what they will remember. I want those reactions to be God-honoring. I want to silently point my children to Christ without saying a word in those moments. I pray that my kids see me reading my Bible and praying for them, so that legacy lives on.
5 comments
Kim C' Ramirez | June 19, 2015
So Blessed by you,God Bless
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Lynn | June 20, 2015
I needed to hear this. Thank you for ministering to us.
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Annamarie Quigley | June 21, 2015
Thanks for the encouragement. Being a godly example and facing the challenges of everyday life, God is good all the time, and being humbled is a gift.
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Yolanda | August 3, 2015
I love to hear when a Mother recognizes how important it is to be an example to her children. This article blessed me just to read what "Mom" said she wants her children to see her read her word and hear her pray for them. Oh how blessed these little ones are to have a Mom as this!
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Lizbett | October 25, 2015
Thank you soo much for sharing your story. I have two boys and I usually think twice before I go to the mall and take them with me. Just the fact that I have to put them in a seat in the car, taking them out of the car, stroller, bags etc..it is like I am packing for a trip all the time.It is very funny because before I had them I never used a purse or bags. I just didn't like it. Now I can't leave my house without like three bags for the most part. And you are soo right my reaction to my everyday life is what is going to speak louder than teaching them to pray. I ask for help with wisdom so I can be a good example for them. Howeve, I think I fail often.
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