The other night as I was putting my 3yo to bed, we said her prayers-- first she went, then me, just like we always do. But this night, she wanted another turn after I took mine. She bent her little head down and folded her little hands and began to thank God for her doll and her mommy and daddy and brothers and sisters. As she finished praying, she opened her eyes and looked at me, taking my face in her hands. Very lovingly she said, "Mommy, you teached me that."
There is no higher honor than realizing that you taught a little child how to pray. I am thankful that she reminded me what my highest honor and greatest calling is in that holy moment, in her little girl room, where dreams and faith are born.
(Welcome to all of you who drop by today after reading the devotion at Proverbs 31! Glad to have you here and I hope you'll keep coming back. From now until Christmas, I plan to focus on all the holiday preparations that are ahead of us by providing thoughts, ideas and recipes. And I even have some surprises up my sleeve as well! I hope you will join me here as we prepare our hearts and homes in the days ahead.)
13 comments:
Pass the tissues, please! That is too precious.
Thank you for your devotional today. What a timely reminder as I continue to pray for baby Eva who had heart surgery right after she was born. It is true I often go to prayer with the attitude that it is all that I can do. It truely is the best that I can do and anything else would only be God working through me.
"Mommy, you teached me that."... Oh, what precious words.
I need to be more intentional about building up my child's faith. Your post reminds me of that. Thank you :)
Have a lovely weekend!
-Kate
Mary Beth:
Loved your devotional today. In fact, just yesterday I posted on my blog concerning the same idea. We too often think to go to the Lord only after we have exhausted all our own available resources. Even the disciples were guilty of this oversight. You can read it at www.juliecoleman.blogspot.com. Thanks for sharing-- you were a great encouragement to me. It really is the BEST thing we can do-- and should always make prayer our first effort.
What a blessing!! Sometimes it is in those moments that you are able to sit back and see the true picture of motherhood...
Hi,
I read your devotion just after reading girlfriends' and one says praise the other says prayer. Isn't it great that we have the two wings of prayer and praise to take us to our great God?
I was so touched by the tot's words, and I'm reminded of the word that says out of the mouth of babes and sucklings is praise perfected. Great blog!!! Thank you.
Your devotional was a real encouragment today. Although I KNOW prayer is the best thing I can do, it's great to have that reminder - especially with health concerns in our family and the company my husband works for facing bankruptcy. So thankful we can take our cares and concerns to Him and that He is in control.
Trusting Him,
Joy
I loved your devotional too today, Marybeth! And guess what?! You are the winner in my knitted red scarf giveaway! My husband just picked your name!
Be sure to email me with your mailing address so I can get it sent off to you. I will be finished knitting it by the end of the weekend!
Blessings,
Kelly
Marybeth,
I have been following your blog for a while and always enjoy your candor. I share an "Aaawwww..." over today's story, but I also appreciate your honesty when things aren't going the way you want them to. It's reassuring to know everyone shares struggles in marriage and parenting.
I had been thinking of asking you a question regarding teaching our children about God and faith, and this story today has prompted me to do it. My six-year-old has been asking about getting a "grown-up" bible and I'm wondering if you have any suggestions. We have always read Bible stories and prayed at bedtime but, she's at the stage of wanting more than just a picture and story book version. At the same time I don't want to overwhelm her, and I think we would need some type of children's reading plan or devotional to follow. Since you have children at such a range of ages, I thought you might have some favorites and I'd appreciate any suggestions you might have.
Thanks, Sherry
Very timely devotion for me, Marybeth. One of my dear friends that I work with lost her precious mother last night. I wonder if it's no coincidence that I woke up with muscle spasms that have tied me to the heating pad today where the only thing I can do is pray...It's the best thing! Precious story about your little one. I'm so glad you "teached" her that! Keep on! We raised Kristyn to spend time in prayer and she still does it even though she has a family of her own now. It makes my heart sing!
Oh my, what a powerful story and moment with your little one. I love this picture. What a gift!!! Marybeth you are such a great mom. I love that God showed you the influence you are having in teaching your children to talk to Him in prayer.
Renee
I forgot to tell you Aunt MB...Landon now says "Amen!" when we finish our prayers. Its just so sweet!!!
OK, I'm crying and my nose is running now, LOL. Thanks for remimding me how important it is that I pray with my precious 2 year old daughter.
God Bless =)
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