A few Saturdays back Michael was preparing to work outside in the shop. He told Isaac to put his coat on and come out back with him. I happened to be sitting nearby as Isaac was getting his shoes on and as I watched him, he stopped. He had a funny look on his face, and he said, “Wait Daddy, wait! I’m coming! Just a minute!” He ran to his room and came back a moment later.
He had his little tiny set of tools in his hand. “I got my tools Daddy! I’m ready!” he shouted out the back door in Michael’s direction.
Pride was bursting from his seams, standing there holding the “just-his-size” tools. It made me grin, and I said, “Well, go on and get out there, Daddy needs your help.” And he bopped on down the back steps towards the workshop.
Now, I knew, and so did Michael that those tools were nowhere near big enough to handle the work they would be doing inside the shop that day. But, still the opportunity was there for him to see how to use larger versions of his own tools.
Of course, it made me think about another tool our family uses. We’ve been learning Scripture here at home. Simple verses. Verses that provide help for Isaac and our other children in their young lives. Verses that we can use now. But the beauty of it is, as they see us apply these same verses too, eventually they will know how to apply them more thoroughly and deeply to their own hearts.
Oh! the beauty of these words to a young child, scared of the dark at bedtime: “So do not fear for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God…” But it becomes all the more comforting, a thoroughly peaceful promise in grown up dark places, in the shadow of death, or in other unexpected valleys of pain and suffering.
If I dwell here too long, I’m convicted. Often, in the middle of the worst trials, my example is to pick up everything but the beautiful words of Life He has given to us. But to show my sweet children the right way to use God’s Word I know I must pick it up more. Read it. Love it. Believe it. And when I do, I’m showing them His Word is my Joy.
I am grateful for the gift of Scripture and how by the power of the Holy Spirit it can meet every need, at every age. I love teaching it to our children as they grow, giving them Scripture that is meaningful to them even now, and watching the Holy Spirit move in their young hearts. But those same Scriptures they will use again and again, as their lives become bigger and fill with challenges, and Jesus will become more real to them.
Thank you Heavenly Father for this beautiful gift you have given to us, Your Words, thorough and complete – comforting, encouraging, invigorating and powerful. I am blessed by your providence that provides for every need of our hearts. Provide strength and wisdom to let me show my own children that Your Words truly are my Joy. amen.
daily portion 