I am nearing the end of my " The Duties of Parent's" book and, already, I can't wait to start it again next month. I am so thankful for the precious insight of J. C. Ryle in regards to raising our kiddos!
While we were on the beach taking a walk (is there anything more wonderful than taking a walk on the beach?!!!) Titus was walking behind me and exclaimed, "Look Mom, I am walking in your footprints". It was true in that moment and it really is true about life as a whole. Our kids are walking in our footsteps, following the example that we live out. J.C. Ryle says:
"Instruction, and advice, and commands will profit little, unless they are backed up by the pattern of your own life. Your children will never believe you are in earnest, and really wish them to obey you, so long as your actions contradict your counsel. Archbishop Tillotson made a wise remark when he said, "To give children good instruction, and a bad example, is but beckoning to them with the head to show them the way to heaven, while we take them by the hand and lead them in the way to hell."
In light of that heavy truth, I can't help but do some self examination of my life! Do I want them to follow in my footsteps in every area or are there areas that I find myself saying, if only in my head,"Do what I say and not what I do"? It's a sobering question to ask but what a beautiful opportunity to pray and ask the Lord to expose those areas in which I am living hypocritically.
I can't wait to be with Jesus in Heaven, to be made perfect and not struggle with sin on, what often seems like a moment by moment basis..but I am also so thankful, right now, for the Word of God, the wisdom of godly men and women and for the world God has made and all the incredible reminders He gives us to help us and encourage us in our sanctification process!!!
Comments
Such good advice. I just ordered and received my "The Duties of Parents" and am looking forward to getting into it.
Great picture idea:)
Haven't visited in a while and was just hoping for a little inspiration and refocus - and that's just what I got! Thank you for sharing your stories and how you work each day to bring glory to our Father. I know so many of your struggles parallel mine, but I seem to loose focus and I am glad to be steared back Home.
He is so faithful to give me extra opportunities to be refined through this process and for that I am thankful!
Your family is just precious!
Blessings,
Leslee