My hubby bought some parenting DVDs for us by Paul David Tripp.
I have only watched two of the sessions so far, but they have already been SO helpful and encouraging to me!
One thing that Mr. Tripp talks about in one of the first sessions is making your family a “theological community”. Big intimidating words, but it has really been amazingly eye opening to me. He talks about how you should be teaching your children about God, not just during devotional times, or during church, but in every day moments. I have slowly started trying to do this with our son, and I have been amazed at how many opportunities there are every day to give glory to God and teach my boy things about him.
I never realized how literally EVERYTHING on earth is singing God’s praises, until I started teaching that to my son.
a few examples of places/ things we have found in our every day lives to bring glory to God. My son is 1 and a half so these are all extremely simple, but it has been profound to me to see His glory everywhere!
Rain – Before, I would just point to the rain and try to teach him that word. Now, I usually say something like “look baby, it’s raining… God is sending water to the earth, because He loves us and is providing food for the plants etc.”
sun & hot – When we go outside my son always tries to touch EVERYTHING. We live in Texas so pretty much everything outside is HOT. So we talk about how things are hot because the son is shining on them, and then we talk about that God made the sun etc. (similar idea to our conversations about rain…)
I can honestly say that before I had my baby, heard the session by Mr. Tripp and started trying to implement it in my life, I had never gone outside and truly seen God’s glory in everything. Not normally anyway. When I go outside, I’m usually on my way to my car, to go to the store etc. so I’m thinking about what I need to buy there etc. I’m not amazed at the world around me the way my son is, and I’m not amazed by the God who made it like I should be. But I’m learning to be.
Another teachable moment that happens a lot these days is this:
Whenever my son is being disobedient and not playing with one of his toys properly (if he’s hitting with it etc.) I take the toy away as a consequence. A little while later he will always point and ask to have the toy back. I always remind him WHY it was taken away (so he doesn’t do the same thing again) and then tell him that He can have another chance, because “God always gives us second chances and forgives us when we do wrong.” – It has humbled me to see God’s grace for us multiple times a day as I correct and train my son, and I’m overjoyed at the opportunity to begin teaching him about grace, and showing him how God’s love is a part of his every day life, before he can fully comprehend the beauty of God’s grace for us.
It has truly been amazing, learning with my son to see the beauty of God in every little part of life. I’m so blessed that God has given me this child to teach, and to learn alongside. Motherhood is a humbling calling, but it is truly teaching me so much about God, his love, patience and grace that He gives us.
What about you? What was do you/ did you teach your young toddlers about God? I would love to hear more ideas!!!
Kate @ Teaching What Is Good says
Love it! Having children really opens our eyes to so many things about God, doesn’t it? Great thoughts. Thanks for linking up!
futurehope says
So true! it really has opened my eyes up to SO much! I’m amazed by how much my little man is teaching me!!! :)
KM Logan says
I always try to find those teachable moments too. They’re so sweet.
futurehope says
It’s surprised me how many ‘teachable moments’ can be found, when you look!
checking out your link up now! thanks for sharing it with me!!!
Kasey @ TFOMplus2 says
Oh, you are off to a wonderful start! Keeping their little minds fixed on Heaven continually isn’t in vogue, but it is so vital. The world tries to creep in and the attempts are sneakier and sneakier as the children get older. What a blessing that you are starting right out of the gate to so carefully foster that relationship!!
futurehope says
Thanks for the encouragement Kasey!!! :)
What Joy Is Mine says
Excellent post! What an incredible calling we mothers have to train our children to keep their eyes looking upwards as they look at things all around them. You’re doing a great job starting early with your son. Thank you for sharing this at What Joy Is Mine.
futurehope says
Thanks so much for reading and for the encouragement! I LOVE reading your blog posts!! :D
Ann@Delight Thyself says
Love it! It’s so wonderful to learn about grace alongside our little ones! Thanks for linking up with Delight Thyself!! Loves!!
Ann