“11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;
then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
19 As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart
”
We are now entering week six of isolation. Our children have not been in school since the end of February; 58 days and counting! To quote Dickens, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
All this time together in close quarters and in a significant time of stress (pandemic, moving, the death of my dad) has been quite challenging. It has brought out the best of us at times and the worst of us at other times!
One of the most rewarding aspects of this time has been watching my kids interact with their schoolwork and seeing them challenge the assignments, looking for true wisdom rather than simply answering the questions. One of Brie’s most common questions after reading an article is, “is that true dad, is that what we believe?”
It brings joy to my heart to watch my kids engage the world with wisdom. They challenge everything, never taking anything at face value. It makes parenting very difficult but rewarding at the same time.
I know they get this from me. I don’t know how much of it is nature vs. nurture but is definitely passed down and of that I am proud. But it also scares me to death. They watch everything I do! Even when I am not intentionally training them, they are being formed by my life. As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.
I think we have all become very good at controlling the reflection of our hearts when we are out in public. We are masters of impression management. But at home, when we are our truest selves, we are forming our children. Right now, they see the reflection of my heart 24 hours a day, for 58 days and counting. Lord help me!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
When have you seen the wisdom of your children on display and felt true joy? What areas of your heart do you need the Lord to work on so that the reflection in your life is pleasing? Share your thoughts below.