Dare to be Disciplined

Back to school, today.

I love and hate the rigidness of the schedule.

Because mornings are too crazy for extras, I built focused time into our bedtime routine for family prayer and devotions. I don't know about you, but for me it's easy to let the discipline of studying God's word slip. But, I have an ever present awareness that my kids haven't experienced what I've experienced nor do they grasp the greatness of God and his faithfulness. I know it's my job to make the transfer and feel even more strongly that it must be purposeful.

All that to say, we are spending time as a family (even Missy) studying the Bible and learning to pray.

Such things don't come without challenge. Tyrus is discriminating in whose hands he will touch based on hand washing probabilities. Little people get wiggly and aren't always respectful and holding hands during prayer can, quickly, turn into let-me-show-you-how-hard-I-can-squeeze fests, but we're doing it. And I'm really proud.

Little Miss closes her eyes really hard and repeats every word that is spoken. LJ wears his mind outside and prays for God to protect our home from being blown to pieces. Ty thinks about the girl who shares his desk and how her grandpa is sick. Cisco offers a few quiet words and does his best to understand this world he still hasn't fully committed to be a part of.

I am certain they don't sense our time is noteworthy or lasting, but I know God is using these moments to sure the direction of their lives. I've always had this sense that our faith can be felt in our feet. Small murmurs of vibration that grow and hum as we walk along. They sure our footing as our intimate experiences with the Lord bring about victories. It's never been difficult for me to understand why mountains are thrown into the sea. Surely, they begin to crumble, miles before our approach, as our steadfast steps hold the remembrance of God's power in us.

Prayer isn't something I've ever been good at. Faith is easy because, frankly, I don't know how nor desire to live any other way.

Prayer is different because it takes time. Something I don't have a lot of. And it requires quiet development. This summer, I have been teaching myself to be more disciplined. The results are reward enough. My petitions to the Lord are thoughtful and specific. I'm noticing changes in my kids that I would have missed otherwise.

When my secret prayer time collides with our family time, I feel a real shaking in heaven. I know we are exposing our treasures to the power of intimacy and teaching them to be relentless. I am not interested in a form of godliness devoid of power. I want all of them to experience the real deal. Right along side me. Right along side Ben.

I know if they taste genuine Truth, they will never walk away.

I was not emotional, today, dropping the boys off for another first day. I think I was in awe. God's goodness and care for our family is so great and I love all the light I see reflecting from their hearts.