Do you ever wonder if what you’re saying is really sinking in with your children? Do you ever feel like maybe it’s not worth the effort to keep filling their hearts with good things, because you can’t tell if they understand you or not? Can I encourage you today? Don’t give up!
Our middle son has a variety of issues, but one that we really struggle with is his ability to understand language. He can speak quite well, but it’s not always clear if he can understand the meaning of what we’re saying to him. You can imagine the struggles we face trying to discipline him: is he disobeying, or does he not understand?
He’s made a lot of growth in this area, but we know he still lacks. And honestly, having to repeat the same thing day after day (whether it’s a rule, or directions on how to do something) gets a little cumbersome. But I know I’m supposed to teach and instruct him, and occasionally I get to see how some of it is sinking in. All I can tell you is that God gives good gifts!
A few months ago we were preparing our family for a family funeral that would be coming. We had no idea when my husband’s grandfather would ultimately pass from this life to the next, but we were trying to prepare our kids for that time, and for the trip.
Our son had therapy scheduled for the day we needed to travel, and we decided to just keep going from the therapy center, since it was on the way. The unknown of travel and funeral had become very real and he was trying to cope with a change in schedule to take this trip, and also with the loss of a family member whom he loved.
That day at therapy, both of the therapists reported that he was acting very different. He usually speaks well, and has lots to say. This particular day, though, he was struggling to even put words together. The second therapist reported that they were able to discuss some point of view issues – his & hers – after some time, but it did not come easily.
What made us so proud, though, through all of this, was what happened next. In trying to get him to verbalize something – anything! – the therapist said, “I can’t read your mind. And in reality, no one really can.”
To which he replied, while looking right in her eyes, “Jesus can!”
Oh, friends, all those times of telling him, “Jesus loves you, and He is always with you,” sunk in! Our son may not know how to tie a shoe well, or understand what we mean when we give him 3-step directions. We may repeat the same pattern for the bedtime routine every day of his life, but Jesus sunk in!
Keep pouring into your children; keep telling them you love them, that Jesus loves them. You may be in the same boat I’m in, where you feel like you’re repeating everything you say, all day, every day, but I promise, it’s getting to their hearts, so fill their hearts with as much of Jesus as you can!
“I like to enjoy some quiet time every day, to sit and think about life. Some days it serves as a time to process my devotions, other days I find myself thinking about something I have seen or heard, and how I feel about that. My writing often comes out of those times, when my heart is full!”
michael
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