Recently, my mom and I were having a conversation on the subject of what we communicate as parents to our children. Action speaks so much louder than words. Do we live what we preach? What do we communicate to our kids? What does my faith communicate to them?
She shared with me a chapter out of the daily devotional, "Women of Faith" she reads. That particular day's excerpt was titled, Let your face Sparkle, written by Sheila Walsh.
"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." -Psalm 31:24
"I am not an alien!" my son announced one morning over breakfast.
"I'm so glad darling. Now eat your eggs."
"Do you want to know how I know I'm not an alien?"
"Absolutely," I replied.
"Well, when E.T. is happy, his heart glows through his skin."
"What happens when you are happy?" I asked.
"Watch," he said. Slowly a mischievous grin spread across his face till his eyes shown. "My face sparkles!" he announced gleefully.
I thought about that all day. I wondered what my face communicates to my son, to others around me. I see a variety of emotions wash across my boy's face every day, bringing shadows or sunlight.
We each have a choice: to be a blank sheet of paper, left to the mercy of the pen of the day's events, or to be settled in heart and mind that God is in control of every moment and to rest in that good news. The latter decision requires faith and resolve. Hope then becomes an action word. It moves from a crossing of the fingers and hoping for the best to a bold stance of reliance on God.
We don't know what this day will hold, but God does. We don't have the strength to face every unexpected heartache, but God does. So let your face sparkle!
I had other plans for "when" Maddie's Fontan would take place...but God's timing is best. I can chose to let worry and fear about her upcoming surgery ruin the days we all have together until surgery or I can chose to put those feelings aside, trusting in Him because God knows best. He is in control of this and my faith has to lie in Him. More than anything, I want our children to see my reliance on God and my trust in His plan. I have hopes and dreams for how this will all go and my plan sounds great to me--but I have to have faith in His plan for her (and for all of us) and all the while, let my face sparkle. Our hope is in the Lord.
Speaking of sparkle...this little girl LOVES to paint her fingernails and the more sparkle, the better! This was her idea after a bath this week. It's not tough to have a "sparkling face" with this little love.
10 comments:
I love that. It is so SO true! I always try to look at the good in the situation. They have to have surgery.. so we are going to make the BEST of it and trust Heavenly Father with the rest. Lots of bubbles, movie time, one on one with mommy and daddy... that's how we prepared Owen for his last surgery and continue to prepare him for the Fontan. We smile and tell them no matter what.. it'll be okay. We enjoy everyday leading up to surgery and have FUN creating memories together.
Maddie is going to do great!
Thank you for such an important reminder!!! So thankful for you!
What a great story! I've read one of Sheila Walsh's books and really enjoyed it. This is so true...and your story really spoke to me.
Maddie is never far from our thoughts and is always in our prayers.
Praying for your heart and especially Maddie's!
I am so thankful for you and for your attitude! Maddie is ADORABLE! Those pictures are so cute!! I am praying for Maddie.
You never cease to inspire me. Thank you Katie! And I love Maddie's sparkle.
Hello- I think I've been to your blog before- I'm coming from Ewan's page because I liked the title of your post! When I read it, I loved it even more. We are preparing for our son Andrew's third open heart surgery in about a week (he's four). I am trying very hard to have faith and hope in God, but I am a mess! Your post was very encouraging and so true. Thanks for sharing!
Jen
mommy to Andrew- TOF
thehuegelfamily.blogspot.com
Prayingbforbyouband your family. From TX
I needed this post today. As we approach Mason's final surgery (not even scheduled yet, but this year) I feel myself getting tense and anxious.
This was such a strong reminder for me.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING!
Your family and daughter are always in our prayers!
Katie you are an amazing mom and person. I can't believe maddie is already coming up on her fontan We are praying all goes well. We to know that putting your faith in the Lord is not always easy, but in the end Knowing he has a plan for all of us, and that his plan will work out in the end. All we have to do is have faith, and let him guide us is truely a blessing. We are always praying for you and your family. Love the Fuhrimans.
...guess I'll be in OR12 on May 24th! Can't wait...know she'll do great.
Post a Comment