Recently, my almost four year old and I were shopping at a local grocery store. We'd previously had an unplanned return trip back to the YMCA and I was in a bit of a hurry to get him home to allow time for a nap before our afternoon activity. I expected we'd be in and out, as we only needed a few items. When I got to the cashier, she informed me that the bag of grapes I picked up had less than the 2lbs she had to charge me for. Someone must have taken some of the grapes out, she explained. So, I would have to get another bag because she had no way to charge me for less.
The thought of walking all the way back to the produce section (in the very back of the store!) and getting back in line with my tired four year old in tow was, sadly, enough, to unnerve this tired mama just enough, and my response to the cashier expressed that sentiment. I was noticeably bothered to which the cashier replied that I could either leave the grapes, pay double for them or get another bag, but, not to worry, she would allow me to keep the cart so my son could stay in the cart and not have to walk. Did she really think I was going to leave the cart there and take him out for the return journey?! Finally, I convinced her to let me pay for the 2lbs of grapes and just go and exchange the bag, without having to wait in line again. The elderly gentleman behind me, explained to me, as the cashier had, that she was only doing me a favor. I looked him square in the eye and curtly replied, "I know what she was trying to do." Nice! As my little guy and I started off on our journey back to the produce department, he said, "Oh mommy, the person who took the grapes out of the bag must not know Jesus!"
The immediate conviction and corresponding embarrassment was not lost on this girl! The person who took the grapes must not know Jesus, but this sweet boy's cranky pants mama does?! That was a laugh and a half! My sweet boy! It won't be long before he'll point out how my words and/or actions don't point to Jesus - I can see it coming already! While my family and I had a good laugh over the humor in my son's innocent comment, it was the Lord's way of reminding me, my little one is watching, studying and interpreting behavior into his understanding of who the Lord is! And that is so very important!
In Matthew 21, the religious leaders were bothered to hear the children saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David", regarding Jesus. "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, 'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise'?" Matthew 21:16, NIV
Sometimes it seems easy for our young children's words to bring praise to our Lord, "for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." - Matthew 12:34
My son's heart was on Jesus; mine was on myself. I didn't want to be inconvenienced. We're not always going to get it right, moms. Sometimes, we don't even know what's in our hearts until the words come out! Let's guard our hearts and our children's hearts and fill them with the word of God, so that when we speak, He is glorified. Let's pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of doing this life with you! Thank you for your correction and the opportunities you give us to repent and start anew. Please forgive us for the times when our words and/or actions don't reflect how well we know you, Lord. Protect our hearts and those of our children. Pour into us, Lord, so that what flows out honors and glorifies you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Loved this my friend! You are so not alone in this.:)
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