AWAKING WONDER - CHAPTERS 3-4

AWAKING WONDER - CHAPTERS 3-4

I could write so much about these 2 chapters.

 Mentors. Have you been blessed in your life to have a mentor at some point? I'm talking about the type of person that walked alongside you for at least a stretch of your life's journey. They deeply cared about you and were actively involved in you as a person and your daily growth. This looks a lot different than someone who simply shares knowledge with us. This goes much deeper. I loved what Sally tells us, " A worthy mentor seeks to maximize the human potential of the one being influenced." Her example of Jesus and His disciples was spot on. He didn't just hand them a book and say, "read it!" He walked and talked beside them. Now, as parents, we are called to be mentors to our children. Does that make you nervous? Do your insides rebel and cry out at the idea of constantly pouring into someone else? Do you see all your bad habits, attitudes, etc and try and steer your children away from those areas instead of repenting and changing and as Sally says, "becoming your best self?" (The old do as I say, not as I do mentality.) Christ didn't leave us to figure out how to do this. He laid out a plan! Have you come to the point of loving the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul? Are His words on and in your heart? Are they modeled and shown through your behavior? Are you walking and talking with your children daily or are you typically above them talking down to them? Take a breath as you examine yourself. Know that Christ reveals these things to us not to condemn us, but to offer us a way of life that incorporates true fellowship and communion together. There is still leadership there, but it is encased in love. Then when a situation comes where we have to draw a line or stand firm, there is no question in our children's hearts that it was with their best interest in mind. They might still buck it, not like it, but deep down inside they know!

Love- I loved how she used the word "generously" to describe how to love! After all isn't that how Christ loves us? Isn't that how you like to be loved by your spouse and by others? Generously. My mind immediately goes to a beautifully ornate cup that is just flowing and bubbling over with cold, refreshing water. Refreshing, life giving, delightful! And the heart of it all is in worshipful, service to Christ.

Sally dives into the world of technology for part of this chapter. This is such a tough one in today's world! As you can tell since I am on Facebook doing this book club, we do use electronics in our home, but each of our kids will tell you that we attempt to limit it. It does bother me when I look around our living room and everyone is on their phone or ipad. We limit game time and build in reading time and encourage activities. I keep air dry clay, paints, paper, colored pencils, puzzle books, Legos, balls, nature guides, etc, etc, etc within easy reach. I have also tried to open up our home more to friends. Yes, it can be very wearying, but I look around and I know that there is a day quickly coming when I will desperately wish I was back in the middle of it all!

Last thing I'm going to touch on is "be for your child." We live in a culture that absolutely beats us up. You need to be the best in sports, looks, grades, whatever to gain attention. Let home be a place of respite and refilling. Don't fuel that attitude. Be your children's biggest cheerleader no matter where they fall on the spectrum of gifted, average, or below average. Your child is created in the image of God and is worthy of your love and care.

Know that I am praying and cheering for you, Momma!