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Discernment to See Truth and Beauty
“I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” -Revelation 22:16:b
I am pretty predictable in some areas. Almost every morning, I reluctantly slip out of sleepiness, yet move through the motions of meandering downstairs. I turn on the tea kettle, light candles while I am waiting, choose music and turn on my little speaker, pick a quiet time book. By then, my cup of tea in my china cup is ready to be sipped slowly as I prepare my heart for the day. I ask God to help me remember the kind of woman, mama, I want to be.
Often, we live through daily rhythms and don’t realize that even common moments are shaping the impressions on our children’s hearts. Read below (and listen to Joel’s story) to be reminded how important these moments can be:
The house was cloaked in quiet. The fading shadows of night signaled the coming dawn. I gingerly tiptoed through the living room, aware that the slightest noise could awaken a sleeping child. I quickly slipped on worn, broken in shoes, quietly anticipating the beauty I would find on my private morning walk. It was wildflower season in Texas. I had never seen it so beautiful—clusters of deep-azure bluebonnets blanketing open fields, accented by scarlet splashes of Indian paintbrush. I coaxed open the storm door, managed to stifle its annoying squeak, and sneaked out the final few steps to freedom.
I had barely set foot on the front porch stairs when I heard the soft voice from behind me. "Do you mind if I go with you today, Mom?" It was my gentle-spirited, easy-going middle child, Joel. I almost never had time alone with him, so I quickly adjusted my expectations for a solitary morning walk, happy to have these few moments together with my firstborn son. "Sure, honey! You go get dressed, and I'll wait right here for you." Soon he was back and we headed out into the cool morning.
We made an unexpected memory that shaped our hearts and faith. The rest of the story on my podcast, At Home With Sally today.
Listen to Joel’s memory of this moment, 27 years later, and know that what you are investing now will last for a lifetime. Get Joel’s book:
