This is normally a statement that prompts me to walk over to the table where Isabella has been quietly coloring and admire the picture that she has drawn. I "Ooh" and "Aah" over whatever it is that she has created. It could be letters, shapes, or some random combination of objects that makes no apparent sense. Yet, for me it doesn't matter if I can understand what she has drawn (even after her explanation of it) because she drew it, by herself, just for me. I find great joy in knowing that Isabella thinks to draw things for me and that she values my opinion of them. It is an incredible blessing.
One day recently, however, I heard the usual declaration, but from an unusual location: the couch. I got there so fast that in retrospect I think I actually teleported. Drawing and couches do not mix. What I discovered, though, was the drawing in the picture above.
I had been reading my Bible and journaling before she got up for the day. I left it out to get her breakfast, get ready for the day, etc. And somewhere in the time I was away, Isabella had taken it upon herself to draw her little letters and pictures, even her name, in my Bible. I wouldn't be telling the truth if I didn't say that I was a little frustrated at first. I mean, it's my Bible! Only I write in it, and very carefully at that. It's special.
But then the humbling realization dawned on me: she's watching. I think so much about my own perspective and my own view on life, but I rarely think twice about what Isabella sees when she wakes each day. I wake up and start my day: quiet time in the Word, journaling, coffee. Normal parts of my life, that I don't give a second thought. Yet, Isabella wakes up and she sees my priorities, good or bad, whatever they are. She goes through her day and she sees me spend time on the things that are important. How many times has she woken up to find me sitting on the couch, drinking my coffee, reading my Bible, making notations in it to myself, writing in my journal. Is it any wonder that she wants to mimic that by drawing her own notes in my Bible?
Harder questions naturally follow this line of thinking. How many times has she seen me love Beth selflessly? Serve the body of Christ? Share my faith with another person?
Whatever I do, whatever I say, she's watching me. With my words I tell Isabella what I want her to know and how I want her to behave. But with my actions, I demonstrate which of those things is actually important enough for me to do as well.
If only we could realize the impact we have when we choose selfish wants over others' needs, prideful argument over humble apology. What we are attempting to teach our kids with each passing day is so incredibly important. Our words matter. But they only really stick, if they see us living it out, daily demonstrating the love we have for God by our obedience to His Word. How you live and how you love is more indicative of your priorities than what you say (or write). You can lie with your lips very easily, but you will find it nearly impossible to lie with your life.
Our kids are watching us. Our family and friends are watching us. It's time we give second (and third and fourth) thoughts to how we live our lives. Intentionally choose to live your life in a way that you would want your kids to emulate. Or your lack of choice will choose for them.
That you might know Christ,
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