Wednesday, August 11, 2010

My Confession and My Commitment

I’m a type A personality.  I function best in the realm of an organized environment.  I make lists, set goals and work hard.  I prefer clean counters, toilet paper on the holder, and clothes put away.

In many ways, I’m a self-confessed perfectionist. 

Having three young boys, though, pretty much presupposes that I will never quite reach my goals.  At least not for very long!

And you know what happens?  I end up spending all my time chasing the end of lists that only I care about. 

While the time I spend praying gets sadly neglected.  Yikes.   That’s something I’m committing to change.  Starting today.

At this time of year, when school is knocking on the door, and we’re watching our children enjoy the last shreds of summer, there’s no better time to lay distractions aside. And spend time on our knees for our children.

In so many ways, it’s a time of new beginnings for them.  New schools.  New classes.  New teachers.  New schedules.  New friends.

Where will this year take my boys in their walks with the Lord?  What influences will work in their lives?  For good?  Or for bad? 

 

All your children will be taught by the LORD, and they will have much peace.

Isaiah 54:13

To help me, I’m hanging an index card on my desk with the following three words. 

  • Hearts
  • Friends
  • Influences

Every morning, I’m committing to praying through this list for each of my boys, being as specific as I can. 

Hearts:  Lord, keep their hearts tender towards you.

Friends:  Strengthen those friendships which encourage them in positive ways.  Give them wisdom and courage in the face of those who wish to tear them down.  And help them to reach out to those around them who need a friend.

Influences:  Bind Satan and his influences at their school.  Bless their bus driver, the teachers, and the administration.  Help those in authority to see what they need to see and make wise decisions. 

Help us, as parents, to be sources of encouragement and support.  To model what we teach.  To be open, and approachable. 

And, finally, help each of my boys to be positive influences.  To feel secure in your love.  And to be true to the convictions you are establishing in their hearts.

I’d love it if you would join me.  :)  Praying moms can change the future of the next generation.  I believe that with all my heart.

3 comments:

Beth@Not a Bow in Sight said...

Awesome! I'm with you :)

Unknown said...

It's so busy when you have young ones to tend to. Those years were tough and I really appreciate my time now. :) Enjoy the time before they're off to school again. :)

Honey Mommy said...

You are totally awesome! I'm with you on needing to pray for my boys more.