Grin from Ear to Ear

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

We all have those “proud mom” moments that make us grin from ear to ear.  You know the one where we see our child do something so sweet for another or do that selfless act that makes you say “he/she is really getting it”.  All the hard work I am putting into these childhood years is paying off.  Sometimes in these moments it is easy to give credit to our Lord because those acts are usually taught over and over with scripture and prayer and our Lord in mind.  However, the kind of proud moments I am going to talk about are the moments where giving thanks to our Lord may not be so clear...

This past year I have had the opportunity to be so proud of my daughter Abigail’s physical abilities.  Abigail is 5 years old and up until this year athletics haven't really been her thing.  However, this year I got to see my little girl shine.  I watched as she kept up with the boys on her soccer team and even scored two goals.  I saw her beam when her daddy threw her up in the sky because he was so proud.  I also got to see her be the best on her little swim team and the smile on her face because her coach was so proud of her.  

As I watched with a grin from ear to ear as any mom would, I remembered something my husband said a year ago when she wasn’t doing as well.  He said “Will you always praise our Lord and give Him all the glory for everything our children attempt to do”?  How are you doing in this area?  Do you encourage your child to praise God after they make a soccer goal?  Do they praise him after their dance recital?  Do you let your children know that every skill and gift they have is from Him?  Do you ALSO praise Him when they don't do so well but try their best, reminding them that it is not always how well they play but more about who they are representing while they play?  Most of all, remembering God is to be praised no matter the outcome.  

Please Lord help us to remember you are everything and anything good in us.  You are the giver of life and the giver of gifts.  Allow us to use them for your glory and to further your kingdom.

Amen.

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above.