Wednesday, July 14, 2010

two out of three ain't bad

Yesterday, one of the sweet college girls who attend our church came by to chat. I always enjoy getting to spend time with "my girls" :).

As we talked, our conversation drifted to the topic of loving others. We talked about modern culture and media in relation to this topic. We discussed how so much of the message kids are hearing today is how important it is to be first.. up front.. in charge.. center of attention.. etc. The message can sometimes be very "me centered." However, that is so contrary to the biblical message. In fact, our focus as christians should primarily be OFF ourselves and ON others.

We all know we are to "love your neighbor as yourself." Yet, are we living this way? Are we teaching this to our kids? Jesus identified the most important things as loving God and loving our neighbors. Putting the needs of others before our own needs.

Matthew 22:36-40 
36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.


After she left, I decided I wanted to "test" my children. Thinking I already knew how the conversations would go.. my predictions were:

Kassidy, (my 8 year old.. going on 16) would probably say it is better to be last. I knew we have had many conversations on the topic and she is a "little mommy" kind of girl.
Kade, (my 6 year old boy) would say first. I thought this because.. well he's 6 and he's a boy.. ;)

Kali Rose, is my 4 year old baby girl. I thought she would say first because she is the baby and tends to get babied around here a bit :).

So, my mission was established and I was ready to begin. First, I pulled Kassidy aside.
ME- Kassidy, is it better to be first or last? 
KASSIDY - Oh, last. *smile* (she was proud of her answer)
ME- OK, but why?
KASSIDY- Well, if you are last, you can help people.... and you should always let other's go first. 


I was proud. I sat there thinking about what JOY there is in motherhood. :)

A few minutes later, Kade came downstairs. So I asked him.
ME- Kade, is it better to be first or last.
KADE - What do you mean?
ME - Well, pretend you are in a line. Is it more important to be in the front of the line or in the back of the line?
KADE - It is better to let your friends go in front of you. So it is better to be in the back of the line. 


Whew. I have to admit, I was shocked and totally proud once again! Now, I was really excited to ask Kali Rose, thinking (aside from Kassidy) my predictions were wrong..

I pulled Kali Rose aside..
ME- Kali Rose, what is more important, to be first or last. 
KALI ROSE - (without any hesitation) First mommy. (as if to say duh!) It is better to be first because then you get things first.. 


:) There is nothing like a 4 year old to keep things real. Needless to say, I was able to have a good chat with her about this topic. As she walked away I began to think about my own attitude. I think this 32 year old mommy can act more like my 4 year old than I care to admit.. I needed this reminder and want my kids to learn this concept, not just by what they hear me say... but especially by what they see me do.

2 comments:

  1. I love that. How many times in a day as a mommy do I have to deal with the "me first" attitude? BUT, truth be told, I can be just as guilty...it's just more subtle. God has brought that to my attention lately and He is calling me to a higher level of servanthood. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Awww...I love your kiddos. They are each so precious! What an awesome topic to think about. Thank you for calling it out & keeping it real! ;D
    Love you!

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