My seventeen year old daughter challenges me daily. She challenges me to be a better Christian, to be a better person, Mom and friend. We've been talking for the past few days about Lent and why people give up things, the differences in what people believe and why.
She came home yesterday telling me that her friend's Mom had given up cokes (all soda pop) for lent. I hadn't yet admitted to her that I had been thinking about what would be the one thing that I don't want to give up and should be the one thing I do give up... ICE CREAM. COFFEE and CHOCOLATE run a close second, but if I'm honest, it's ice cream I can't live without.
So...she turns to me and says, "What should I give up for Lent, Mom? It has to be something really hard to give up. Like candy and shopping! That's what I should give up! I can't live without SHOPPING and trying on pretty things and CANDY! What would be the hardest thing for you to give up"...as her big blue eyes looked straight into mine we both said "ICE CREAM!"
Minutes later, as she walked out the door, she said to me,"Mom, what if Jesus came back, like 5 days from now, and we hadn't given anything up? Wouldn't we feel bad?" I replied, "You know, He doesn't require us to give those things up. He loves us anyway." Thoughtfully she looked at me and said,"but we would be doing it for Him. Because of everything He has done for us."
That conversation took place exactly 23 hours ago. It's been about 25 hours since I enjoyed my last taste of ice cream. And you know what? I'm ok! In this country we are blessed to call home, in this busy life, full of Christian pursuits, there aren't alot of sacrifices we are asked to make for Him. I know the blessings I receive will be greater than what I'm giving up.
Today, my daughter searched every nook and cranny in her purses, backpack and room for any forgotten pieces of candy. She asked me to hide them or give them to her brother.
May God bless her as she grows in her walk with Him and shower her with the same portion of grace and love that she brings to me.
"Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:14-16
She came home yesterday telling me that her friend's Mom had given up cokes (all soda pop) for lent. I hadn't yet admitted to her that I had been thinking about what would be the one thing that I don't want to give up and should be the one thing I do give up... ICE CREAM. COFFEE and CHOCOLATE run a close second, but if I'm honest, it's ice cream I can't live without.
So...she turns to me and says, "What should I give up for Lent, Mom? It has to be something really hard to give up. Like candy and shopping! That's what I should give up! I can't live without SHOPPING and trying on pretty things and CANDY! What would be the hardest thing for you to give up"...as her big blue eyes looked straight into mine we both said "ICE CREAM!"
Minutes later, as she walked out the door, she said to me,"Mom, what if Jesus came back, like 5 days from now, and we hadn't given anything up? Wouldn't we feel bad?" I replied, "You know, He doesn't require us to give those things up. He loves us anyway." Thoughtfully she looked at me and said,"but we would be doing it for Him. Because of everything He has done for us."
That conversation took place exactly 23 hours ago. It's been about 25 hours since I enjoyed my last taste of ice cream. And you know what? I'm ok! In this country we are blessed to call home, in this busy life, full of Christian pursuits, there aren't alot of sacrifices we are asked to make for Him. I know the blessings I receive will be greater than what I'm giving up.
Today, my daughter searched every nook and cranny in her purses, backpack and room for any forgotten pieces of candy. She asked me to hide them or give them to her brother.
May God bless her as she grows in her walk with Him and shower her with the same portion of grace and love that she brings to me.
"Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:14-16