Every monday Daddy takes the boys for the morning, while mommy does all the "yukky shopping" stuff that the wee ones enjoy so much! Their tradition has come to include a trip to Tim Horton's for donuts - double chocolate for the youngest and Canadian maple for the more mature 5 year-old. (Daddy is relegated to a black coffee since he's now working out and looking more like Hercules everyday).
Over the past month, Tim Horton's has been running a contest called "Roll Up the Rim to Win". For the Americans reading this post, this is a contest that is arguably the most popular amongst the fast food chains. Every purchaser of a medium or large drink is urged to roll up the rim of the cup and check to see if their cup has won. Prizes range from a free cup of coffee to a car.
Last monday, Daddy enjoyed his coffee while the boys munched away. Afterwards, he carefully peeled up the cardboard lip of the cup to discover the three special words - please play again! My eldest son was particularly disappointed since he was sure we'd win something great. The tv commercials during the Saturday night hockey games pretty much assured we'd win a car, or a stereo at least.
Dad didn't give the episode much thought after tossing away the remnants of his java fix. At least not until dinner, when my son revisited the topic.
"Dad, did you want to win a car, when you rolled up the rim?" he asked.
"Sure," was my husbands quick reply. (Little did he know that this had actually been a theologically loaded question).
"Did you know that we're not supposed to store up for ourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal?" our little guy pressed.
"Maybe a car wouldn't be such a good idea, eh?" my husband grinned.
And so we are reminded. Reminded to follow God, via the teachings of His word - and all this, when we least expected it.
By the way, this lesson was partly due to some bible memory work we've been attempting with the kids. It was a good shot in the arm to keep it up. Sometimes I feel it is hard work, but this encouraged me to proceed. We've found a great place to start is the Fighter Verse Set put out by Bethlehem Baptist Church. They come with some cool little knights, which are a hit with boys, in particular.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
That's amazing that Mac thought about it and made the connection between his scripture memory and real life application. I guess it just goes to show that we shouldn't underestimate the ability of children to comprehend the truths of scripture. (Although, I also realize that your son is quite exceptional. :)
Thanks for sharing.
You both talk of my "smart" child, but I actually believe he was granted his insight by God. We were privy to a moment like with Peter, when he proclaimed, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God."
It is the Holy Spirit that helps us understand the things of God and I just want to make sure I acknowledge Him. I also pray that I would be able to keep up with the understanding He grants my son:)
Very true. When I spoke of children's ability to comprehend the truths of scripture, I guess I assumed the work of the Holy Spirit in helping them to do this.
I shouldn't have made such a huge assumption on a medium like the blogisphere. It is too easy to be misunderstood. Thanks for the correction. :)
The point I meant to make is that many people I have encountered do not believe that children can really understand the great truths found in scripture, and as a result, do not make much effort to teach them. Yet, I have seen numerous times how God works exceptionally in children.
You're right, Christel.
Just last night at our communion service I had brought the children with me to observe. Others were playing in the nursery. Mac had wanted to play with them, but I have wanted them to be eyewitnesses to adult worship services. (A book by Noel Piper has encouraged me along these lines of thinking).
Anyway, after the service, Dan had Dawson in his arms and wouldn't you know, Dawson pointed to the cross and started singing "Oh the wonderful cross". Again, a reminder that they are able to "pick up" a lot more than we give them credit for.
This exhorts me to be even more purposeful in raising these boys. Although, I suppose it means I can also rejoice in the Holy Spirit more, for his work in people so small.
Have a blessed day.
Haha,opora. If only we, as parents, could make such decisions for our children.
Guess we'll just have to keep praying for our kids' spouses-to-be, if the Lord wills such. Maybe we'll be blessed enough to be praying for each other's children.
For me, extra prayers uttered for the children is always a plus!!
Post a Comment