Don't Push

Over the summer, at a birthday party, I talked with a young man who had just given a wonderful musical performance as part of a young men's quartet. He told me he didn't always enjoy singing, that in fact, he didn't even use to sing at church. He said that his mother never said anything to him, but began praying for him. The results were evident that evening. I am guilty of wanting to push my children to do things that I know are good, and I know that a nudge is good every now and then, but I was convicted that night to do less pushing and more praying.
I write this now to remind myself of this conviction, for my good intentions are frequently forgotten. Perhaps by posting, I will be more inclined to remember and follow through, and maybe in a later post, I can record the results of this "method"... Praying should be our first line of defense, not our last option...

I Am Amazed

At the risk of sounding like the proud Mom, I must say that I just read my children's blogs and stand amazed in the presence of something that seems to have magically happened. I am not very knowledgeable about writing, but it seems that having a diet of good literature placed before you, a few (no, several) writing programs thrust upon you, some acquaintances who have quite a gift for writing, and the proper outlet, these children can relate their thoughts, feelings, and sometimes peculiar senses of humor (corny?) rather better than I had supposed. When did it happen? While I was grading papers, filling out forms, planning lessons? Perhaps while I was on my knees asking God to help me accomplish this task He called us to? God is good. I pray these gifts will be used for good, while I stand amazed...