My Mother's Example

Proverbs 6:22(MSG)
Wherever you walk, they'll guide you; whenever you rest, they'll guard you; when you wake up, they'll tell you what's next.

I remember when I was a little girl, after getting ready for bed, I would be all warm and snuggly in my footed PJs.  They were so soft and cuddly that just the thought of them, even now, makes me want to curl up under the blankets and close my eyes for a long winter's sleep.  Awe.....

Connected to that memory though, is one that is even more important.  It is the beautiful picture that remains vividly in my mind of my mother.  Nearly every night she would come into our rooms and kneel with us beside the bed to pray to the Lord.  I still remember this precious time with her next to me.  It was a comfort and an incredible gift that she gave to her children.  I believe that the actual prayers were powerful, of course, but the consistency of her actions provided a stability that all young children starve for, whether they recognize it at the time or not. 

Tonight's verse is still referring back to Proverbs 6:20 that tells us to follow our father's good advice and keep close to our mother's teachings.  My mother taught me so much by closing out our day in this humble posture of reverence and submission to the Lord.  She also showed me her dependence on Him, through her constant reliance on His Word as evidenced by the tattered and dog eared Bible  that could always be found lying on the kitchen table in the early mornings......left behind from her bright and early morning conversations with her God. 

These are the kinds of teachings that I yearn to impress upon my children.  The advice that will guide them, guard them, and prepare them for what comes next.  Praying tonight for this kind of life....a life that is lived out steadily and consistently by the power of the Holy Spirit.