Comments on: Asking our kids to be a mini Jesus.

By: Bridgette CIAJ

Bridgette CIAJ — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:42:07 +0000

Honestly, I most often see God in my kids that they are still living at the end of the day. We have a loud, strong-willed family. Much is handled with loud voices or force. I never thought life would be like this. I think about how God feels about me, what I could so see as His frustration and yet he still loves me. That's where I see God. (I also think this is easily transferable to other relationships in our lives for those who are single &/or without kids.)

By: revbex

revbex — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:11:37 +0000

my kids aren't Jesus to me; but I am to them. I try to remember that I am the first impression of a loving, gracious, unselfish authority in their lives, who only wants the absolute best for them. While that includes healthy teeth, it doesn't include a mom who headlocks them while she scrubs their teeth like a sandblaster. I'm not really looking for things to learn about God from them; I'm praying constantly as I try to show God to them.

Single people have to worry about showing God to friends, family, and coworkers that they hopefully see after having a lot of coffee; parents have to deal with showing God to tiny immature people who run screaming into the bathroom while you are occupying it with a newspaper. Even my most devoted single friends admit that would be quite a challenge.

By: jofarrill

jofarrill — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:50:15 +0000

I have to say that my daughter is actually a constant reminder of God for me. Not that she shows me the love, but that I show her. I kinda take on the role of (dare I say) God or Jesus while she takes on the role of, well, me. Sometimes I love God, I talk to Him, obey Him, snuggle Him (I guess, not sure what the spiritual equivalent of snuggling is). And then sometimes I want to do it my way, I purposely disobey Him, I think nothing will go wrong when I do it my way but it always does. Finally, when I do screw up, sometimes I run right Him, sometimes I hide in shame for a bit first.
Those are al the things my daughter does to me too. Course, biggest difference is that God is perfect and has perfect love for me. He's omni-everything, I'm not. But it's still a good model for me to practice love. Every day. With my daughter, like He does with me.

By: Andy and Wendy Ingram

Andy and Wendy Ingram — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:31:12 +0000

I think having kids is God's way of showing us the truth to the verse – for all have sinned. Not only in the lives of my kids, but even more in my own life. Just looking at some of those fruits of the spirit. Peace, yeah right – with three kids fighting. Patience – sure gets tested every night when I get home. If anything, kids make me far more aware of my own faults and weaknesses. But, that brings me closer to God as well.

By: dankasworld

dankasworld — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:34:39 +0000

I like seeing my kids worship, and loving others. But mostly, loving my kids helps me to understand God's love for me a little bit better. Especially when they're being brats. Or really thick-headed. Like I can be.

By: Stacey

Stacey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:43:41 +0000

I really appreciate all of the comments here that remind us that God meets us where we are. There are so many ways and circumstances that He can use to reveal himself to us and draw us closer to him. It would be sad to think that He could only do that for those who are parents.

If I could change my own situation with infertility, I certainly would. But I would want to keep everything that God has shown me about His love and grace during this time.

I'm thankful that the Lord reveals himself in unique and specific ways to parents, singles, and childless couples!

By: CM

CM — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:41:10 +0000

What Thursday said.

By: Bob Gorinski

Bob Gorinski — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:00:48 +0000

Of course you don't have to parent children to know God,in the sense of intimacy and true living faith. No.

BUT.

I can say from having 4 little ones at this point, that in my life, there has been absolutely no better way for ME to learn what it means to put my own needs aside.

You must and you will - if you're any kind of decent parent. And of course you are.

Yes - dying to yourself.

I'm far more patient (in general) than when I had no kids. I no longer get (as!) cranky if I miss a few hours of sleep or a meal. I could go on, but suffice to say that having kids does teach you SOMETHING...many things.

By: 8675309

8675309 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:56:22 +0000

I gave this little guy everything I had. I provided for him, I raised him, I protected him, I fed him, I saw his potential and did all I could to bring it about.

I KNEW that he knew the right things to do because I had taught him and seen him obey, but I was awestruck as he openly defied me time and again. He knew better; it was flat-out rebellion. He had zero appreciation for all I had sacrificed to make him who he was. He tested me. He raged against me. He frustrated me and made me angry, often to the point of tears.

The day I realized I loved him anyway is the day I slapped my own forehead "coulda-had-a-V8"-style and figured out the lesson.

I don't have kids. I volunteer as a puppy raiser for a local guide dog school.

Singles, don't listen to people who imply you have to be married and raising children to "get it." It's amazing what God will use to teach us about who He is, and about who we are in relation to Him. He will use your gifts, your passion, and your service. Just keep your eyes open.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:01:25 +0000

I'm with Dusty

"Thank God I'm not the only one that has experienced the "Toothpaste Incident."

Good to know I'm not alone."