Sunday, June 14, 2009

Head of House?

My wife finally allowed me to have my own profile and be a contributing writer on here, not that I have much to contribute.

I would like to think you have all been eagerly awaiting this post, since my wonderful bride put me on the line for it. But I know that is wishful thinking.

About two weeks ago our oldest daughter Elizabeth and I had a good conversation. First off, let me set the "table" for you. I know it may take some by surprise, but at dinner there is not a lot of time to finish a conversation. (Lucas - "I got to go poddie". Ashlee - "(insert anything in a very loud voice)". Elizabeth - "What all do I have to eat to get a surprise?". Repeat the cycle of children talking, continously) Well this particular evening we ate outside. Elizabeth and I are sitting next to each other and the other children are as quiet as a mouse. Elizabeth begins to ask some questions and pose some very powerful thoughts.

Elizabeth - Daddy. What would the world be like if God didn't rule over everything?
Me - (stumped by my 4 yr old) You wouldn't see good in things, people, or your own life. There would be a lot of hurt in the world.
Elizabeth - What would things be like if I ruled the world?
Me - Well (think, think, think) You know how you have sin in your heart? You would not always make the best decisions.
Elizabeth - I would be very selfish and want things to be done my way and not God's way.
Me - Elizabeth, that is a very honest thought. Have you been thinking about this a lot?
Elizabeth - Yep. I talk to God about it a lot at bed time. When I am trying to fall asleep.
Me - You know God loves it when you ask him questions and think about him.
Elizabeth - Yeah, I know.

So after that I think about things for a solid two weeks. A four year old has thought things about God that I have never thought. How can she have deeper thoughts about God than some grown ups? Is it being innocent to the world? Or is it that she has a one on one personal relationship with the creator of the world. She longs to let God enter everyday.

Then this morning Lucas and I have a conversation:

Lucas - Dad, how is heaven?
Me - (choking on my toothepaste) God made heaven as a perfect place.
Lucas - I take my kitty kitty and show him. (kitty kitty is a night time friend for Lucas, little furry kitten)
Me - They will have the best kitty kitty's for you in heaven. But I bet you could show them yours.

You see up to this point I have been in the comfort zone of knowing I have to lead us to shephard Elizabeth, because she knows God. Well, I was woken up this morning with Lucas's questions. It revealed to me the responsibility I have, as the head of the house, to lead my wife and children in a walk with God. Most of the time it gets really scary. The biggest fear is, What if I miss it and get it wrong? I don't get a second chance at this. It isn't like the game starts tomorrow. I am at the plate in the bottom of the 9th inning. Now is the time to deliver. It gets better. This morning, I had a chance to be reminded that my God is STRONG and through him, I will deliver.

8 comments:

  1. Great post! Thanks for sharing!

    mama of 13

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  2. did you guys pick the verse of the day on the little sidebar...because its totally perfect...I had to do a double take.

    Great post...thanks! Neil and I have been talking about some of the same things...so its great to read another's thoughts...

    Lindsey

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  3. We both share your fears and the weight of the responsibility of parenthood.

    Crazy about the verse on your sidebar...great observation Lindsey...

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  4. David and I are both so thankful that we are not in this parenting thing alone~ God is strong and faithful and will more thank make up for our failings!

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  5. How cute! I could tell Elizabeth knew God before this was even posted. While Jessica was at a women's group, your kids and a bunch of other kids were at the house where I and another babysitter babysit Elizabeth said, "I like to obey and listen to my parents because it makes Jesus happy." She is SO cute!!! Of course all the rest of the clan is precious too!!!!

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  6. Thanks Jess for giving this post to ol' Lukester. Strong work Team Beaver. Great post. i could hear all of your sweet voices in my head. Oh how I miss them!.
    Love yall

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  7. Luke that is an absolute wonderful post!

    Fear is what keeps us from even taking that first step of leadership.
    I would say so far you and your wife have done an amazing job of molding these children!
    I know that God has had more to do with it than you and/or Jess but the thing that HE wants from you is, not to be perfect but, to be obedient and listen to HIS calling on your life to lead your family where HE calls you to; the rest HE will orchestrate as a beautiful LOVE SONG!

    Blessings! It is such a testimony to hear of your daughter's relationship with her Heavenly Father! Such an inspiration!

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