And the Truth...It Shall Set You Free

Tonight we were winding down before bed. We were reviewing our Awana verses and one that was introduced this week is Proverbs 12:22: The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful. I paused to explain what the verse meant, but he needed no help. He knew right away what we were talking about and proceeded to use an example straight out of his day to let me know he got it.

He told me that he and a friend of his were playing together at the end of the day. When their teacher told them it was time to clean up, his buddy started to push the pieces of the game under some papers. He told Cody that their teacher would never know about it if they hid them there. Cody responded, "But God sees! God would know that we tried to hide our mess, and that's what matters the most!"

I was so proud that, in the midst of what had to be a bit of an internal struggle, Cody chose the right way. And in the process, he testified to another child about what God cares about! I gave him a high five after that and told him I was real proud of him for taking a stand and doing what was right, not just in mommy and daddy's eyes, but in God's. And I told him about that verse in 1 Timothy 4:12 that says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

Furthermore, I was reminded (again) that we MUST keep talking to our kids. We must keep the lines of communication open, as well as God's Word, so that these conversations can even take place. One of the hardest things about having a six year-old in school all day is that I don't see what's going on. As hard as I try to be involved in what goes on there, I simply cannot control what's going on, who he's talking to, what he's saying, or how he's being influenced.

What I can do is pray. And pray some more. And look for opportunities to keep the lines of communication open so that we can discuss these moments and the ones that may not end as "pretty" as today's did. And pray some more.

And have hope that the next time, he'll do the next right thing. (Thanks, Papa Dean, for teaching me the importance of that!!! I love you.)

Ironically, I'm currently reading a book called, "For Parents Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice. It's actually written for parents who are dealing with tween/teenagers, but oh my lands, I have found it to be pertinent NOW before we head into those tumultuous years. Check it out. You'll be glad you did.