I think I’ve taught my kids to seek the wrong comfort. As I’m clutching my cup of coffee, the Lord has been convicting me.
Don’t take this the wrong way. God gives me many things for comfort, like the feeling of a warm sunny day, or the cat on my lap, or a warm cup in my hand. It’s not until I want these things more than I want God that they become an idol.
You may be wondering how this happens. As I’m listening to women talk about their issues with food, it comes out that when they were young, their mom handed them a cookie when they were crying.
As I’m watching a family in a restaurant, a mom hands over her phone to keep her child calm while they’re waiting for the food. Now all the family is on technology while they’re at the table; no one is having a conversation. Can they color a picture together? Play tic tac toe? Read a story? Why would they need to?
As I’m listening to a mom talk about how worn down she is running her kids around, I’m reminded of the yoke that Jesus offers me. He is gentle and humble, and I’m supposed to be learning from Him. Are we jumping from one sport to the next? Am I so concerned about my daughter not missing out on something that I don’t allow her any rest? Sometimes there is a vow involved like: I’m going to be a better mom than my mom, or my daughter is never going to doubt that I love her. Could the children do some chores? Learn how to grow flowers? Play with the dog? There’s no time for that- why would they need to?
As I’m listening to a woman talk about how down she is because of the weather, how she’s been stuck inside all winter, I remember how God spoke to me in the snow that morning during my walk. I think about how many birds were singing because they woke up that morning, and how I never would have noticed if I hadn’t been outside in my boots, coat and gloves, looking up to enjoy God’s creation. How much better does my daughter feel if she’s been out on a walk with me, even though I slow us down by taking pictures of leaves, trees and birds? Are my kids experiencing this? Or am I complaining about the winter, the snow, or the cold weather that might happen next Thursday, according to my phone?
Speaking of the phone, has technology become my biggest comforter? Am I happiest when I’m binge-watching whatever is newly released? Waiting for the next episode? Do I need the TV to fall asleep at night? Can I unwind at night in any other way besides a screen? As I’m listening to the women around me talk about their life, I can tell what is important to them.
As I’m watching what people share on social media, I can tell what is important to them. Is it a picture of the kiddos? Or pictures of the latest hairstyle? Eyelashes? Home remodel? I’m pretty sure the kids know what is most important, too.
Don’t take this the wrong way.
Going on a great vacation can really bring a family closer together. Am I so focused on the vacation that I haven’t been able to take that I miss out on what God wants me to see today? If I want that vacation more than what God has for me to learn today, then it’s become an idol.
Why would my kids need God if I’m teaching them to jump from one experience to the next, offering them comfort in food, sports, or the next big thing? As I’m feeling convicted today, my prayer for you is to learn from my mistakes. Sorry, kids.
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