God's Child

I started working through Neil Anderson' list of "Who I am in Christ". The first category is "I am Accepted in Christ" and the first point is that "I am God's child". I know that. Of course. But what does it mean? I forced myself to think about it and not just take it at face value.

I have three children. How do I feel about them? I love them. But, let's be honest, they drive me crazy.

They don't listen to me - I have rules, for THEIR benefit, that they don't follow. They get into trouble and hurt themselves because they don't obey. They scream. They have temper tantrums. They argue, they all know better than me. They want to make their own decisions even when I know its not the best thing for them.

And, yes, at times I get angry and lose my own temper in turn. I still love them though.

This morning Emily was really quick to cry and whine about just about everything. So I tried to "fill her love tank". It usually works: I put her on my lap, measure her "love level" and - "glug glug glug" - give her lots of hugs and cuddles, filling her up till she's overflowing with love. When the love comes exploding out she giggles hysterically and then is usually as happy and content as can be, racing off to play and enjoy her little life.

Not today - she would not let me. "I don't want you to fill my love tank" she claimed. She preferred to be miserable and refused to allow me to love her. I still love her even though she's chosen to be miserable.

Mmm. Is there a lesson here?

Then I got to thinking... its not actually about how I feel about my chidren. Its about who they are are as my children.

Who are they?

They are mine. And I would fight to the death if anyone tried to take them from me.
They are special. Unique, wonderful, individual, marvellous creations.
They are beautiful. Truly beautiful.
They are loved. They have 100% confidence that they are loved.
They are precious. More valuable than anything - more valuable than gold, diamonds, rubies.
They are absolutely secure. Secure that they are our children. Secure at home, secure wherever they go.

I am imperfect, but this is how I see who my children are. Can I dare to imagine how God sees me? I am God's child. I am his. I am special, unique, wonderful, marvellous, I am beautiful, I am loved. I am precious. I am secure.

Note to self: Remember this!

No such thing

Jonty learned what a "plus" sign means at school today. He is so proud of himself and has been asking me to write him sums all afternoon.

At suppertime he asked me: "What is 100 plus 1?"

I answered "one hundred and one"... I was always fairly good at maths!

Jonty: "What is 100 plus 2?"

Me: :"One hundred and two."

Jonty: "I know what 100 plus 3 is!"

Me: "Yeah? what?"

Jonty: "103."

Me: "Clever boy! So what is 100 plus 10?"

Jonty packs out laughing: " Mom, there's NO SUCH THING!"

Lessons to learn

A few weeks ago Emily was banned from Kids Club at The Lighthouse on Saturday and Sunday mornings. She was fairly upset, but I was fairly adamant! Every time I got up to teach or explain a game or demonstrate a craft, Emily would have a temper tantrum. It was not working for anyone. So until such time as she goes a full week without a temper tantrum, Kids' Club is off limits.

I tell Emily: " You really need to learn to control your temper."

Emily nods in agreement. Thinks. Then says - "Yes, I do" then adds " ...and you need to learn to be nicer. And Daddy needs to learn to be patient. And Jonty needs to learn to be gentle. And Nina needs to learn to stop taking my toys."

We all have lessons to learn, even a 3-year old knows that!

Tonight's Prayers

Emily wanted to go first:

"Thank you that you made the world. Thank you that you died on the cross. That was very kind of you..."

Jonty interrupts - "you know that actually God is 1. He is 3 because he is the Son of God and Jesus and the Father. But he's still 1."

Emily:"Well, I don't think he is 1. He's actually a grown-up. We need to ask him if he is 1. "

She continues praying: " Thank you for Jesus. He is so nice, not 1 [glares meaningfully at Jonty] - thank you that Jesus made the world and thank you for him - thank you for mommy and daddy and Beanie and Jonty and Emily - thank you for the Buddhists that return to you. Amen"

Amen Emily!

Over to Jonty:
"Dear Lord Jesus. Thank you for a wonderful day. Please help the Buddhists return to you. Help me to be a good boy. Thank you. Oh, please help me to get ready for my test; please help me get my yellow belt. Amen"

Man! I love these kids - even if their theology is a little suspect.