My smallest box is heart-shaped. She is wrapped up in the sweetest paper and has a pink ribbon on top. She says "Hi" to anyone and everyone, remembers her manners well, and just loves life all the way around. She's two years old, and I wish I could keep her that age forever.
The other day I heard her singing, something she LOVES to do. She sings all kinds of sweet little songs, but one of the favorites for me to hear is when she sings "Jesus Loves Me." The first time I heard her rendition, I thought I had heard her incorrectly. Upon doing a little research :), I found out I was hearing more than just words. The following is her verse:
“Jesus wuvs me, dis I know, for the Baa-ble tells me so,
Yittle ones to Him beyong, dey are weak, but Daddy’s strong!”
Yes, I wrote the second to the last word correctly. That is what she says. In her eyes, Daddy is like God. He's as big as God.
Now don't misunderstand me. I don't mean to be inappropriate or irreverent here, but I hope you can understand the direction in which I'm headed. I think children often view their parents, especially their daddies in this diefied manner. It makes sense. They don't know, nor can they comprehend at such a young age, the abstract, as I think we can easily place the Lord since He is a Spirit.
My older children still ask me how God can be everywhere, know everything, and be all-powerful. Uh, um, let me get back to you when I can understand that myself. :) Seriously, it takes faith just to give that answer to them.
Daddies, do all you can to be what your little ones need you to be. Be their strong tower, be their protector (esp. from the TV and internet), be their ever-present one (even if just in spirit), and be their loving corrector when it is necessary.
Mommies, look up to Daddy. Make him "lord of the house" in the right way, as God intended. Whenever you can, encourage your children to pray for their daddy, as daddy has such an important job.
Listen to the words your children use about you and your spouse. I hope they are words that you would want to have repeated about you or the other parent.
Remember: you are raising the parents of your grandchildren, the future members of your church, and the next leaders of your homeland. God will hold you accountable for it.
