They're Listening

Back in January - New Years Weekend to be exact - we were sitting around the dinner table at the beach with my family. Jenna asked to pray for dinner. We were all expecting the normal "Thank you Father for our food" song we had taught them to sing at meal time. Instead, Jenna prayed her own prayer, using her own words! It was precious and innocent and pure.

She thanked JESUS (a word not in the 'meal time' song I mentioned earlier) for everything she could see around her....and things she thought of. It was such a blessing for me to hear. Later on, it struck me that they have been listening! One of our family resolutions back in 2012 was to pray with the twins every single night before bed. By God's grace we have stuck to that and prayed with them each night since. So for two years now, they heard either myself or Ryan pray to Jesus for all sorts of things. Many times I felt like it was just a resolution to be met or a duty to be done. In fact, more times than not, the twins are making funny faces at each other or inspecting the newest bandaid on their knee during prayer time so who knew they heard anything we were saying?!?

It was such a kind gift from the Lord to show us a glimpse of Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." It was just the wind I needed under my sails to keep on going.

And then...

Just as quickly as I was smiling and giving myself an imaginary high-five, I realized the entire truth around this new realization. They are listening to our prayers, yea hooray...but they are also listening to the other not-so-worth-repeating words and comments. One example comes to mind: discipline. If I thought they weren't listening when they were hanging upside down off their beds making silly faces, then imagine how much they were hearing and absorbing when I was in their face, demanding eye-contact. Gulp. As I was thinking about this over the next few weeks, I started seeing Jenna act "mommy" on Caden doing some of the same motions, actions, faces etc that I KNOW they have seen from me.

Anyway, I forget daily and react in my flesh rather than the Spirit but it is something I'm thankful the Lord showed me gently, in a kind manner through the precious prayer of my 3 year old. This parenting thing is hard and confirms my need for God's spirit and guidance every day. A major work in progress.:) I'm so thankful He WANTS to help me and guide me and promises He will do so even when I think I know best.

 It is a JOY to hear what the Lord brings to their little innocent minds when they pray. Caden is quite clear in his thoughts. Jenna reverts to twin language and does something crazy with her tongue. :)


 
Caden's Prayer from Casey Little on Vimeo.

Jenna's Prayer from Casey Little on Vimeo.

The New Hide-and-Seek

If I haven't said it before, I'll say it again. I LOVE watching my kids play together. I have been strangely convicted lately of just how blessed I am to be a mom of twins and the different kind of bond Caden and Jenna share. It has been amazing to see them experience every.single.thing. in their lifetime together. They can come up with some crazy games together like all siblings do. Here is the new version of hide-and-seek that they (Jenna) have created: