How are you....Really?

The children and I are studying Genesis using a children's commentary titled Herein is Love. It's a great resource and definitely doesn't speak down to children. In fact, I've had to edit here and there because I think the author occasionally forgets she's writing for children. Her details are sometimes a bit too graphic, in my opinion. Nonetheless, it has been a great resource, and we're looking forward to using her books for Exodus and Leviticus (can you imagine that one?:))

Right now, we're focusing on the story of Joseph, and as we're reading, the Holy Spirit illuminated such amazing characteristics of Joseph to us. We're at the point in our reading where Joseph has just been the victim of the cup bearer's forgetfulness, and thus Joseph remains in prison another two years. This is what was so striking. Think about this~he's already suffered abandonment and abuse at the hands of his own brothers, being sold into slavery as a trade-off for not being murdered by them. He's seen favor from Potiphar and then endures imprisonment as a victim of false accusations from Potiphar's wife, an immoral and vengeful woman. He kindly offers his assistance to the baker and the cup bearer, helping them interpret their dreams, asking the cup bearer to please not forget him when he returns to Pharoah's service. Yet, Joseph is forgotten~for two long years. When Pharoah finally learns of Joseph from the cup bearer and then calls for him, Joseph willingly interprets the dreams, qualifying his ability with these words,"It is not in me: God shall give Pharoah an answer of peace." Joseph's first words bring glory to God. He has waited patiently on the LORD for many years through so many difficulties, and yet, he steadfastly glorifies God. What an encouragement as we struggle to wait for God's answer day after day or week after week, etc. This deliverance is such a comforting reminder of God's faithfulness in our lives, and how He honours those who honour Him. It was our prayer as we closed that God would manifest these very things in our lives~patience during affliction and faithfully glorifying Him regardless of our circumstances.

So there is the foundation for what I'm really trying to say. As I considered this wonderful truth from God's Word, I realized these are the very truths we should be consistently sharing with each other during the week. We'll easily ask, "What was your favorite moment this week?" or "Tell me about the book you're reading." Yet, I have failed to consistently say, "What has God shown you this week?" or "What is God doing in your life?" I think I tend to assume, based on their behavior during the week or simply the fact that I'm the Mom. How intentional, though, to ask the questions and be accountable to one another. So, the children and I decided that a perfect time to talk about the truths God has shown us during the week, the struggles we're having spiritually, and the ways God is growing and stretching us and encouraging us, will be during Family Night. The potential fruit from such intentional discussion seems limitless, and I'm so excited to get started! (By the way, each of the children except Boo and Little Bit, start their day with independent Bible reading, so that offers a wonderful opportunity to have things to share~you have to be in the Word daily to be able to do this.)

(Can you imagine if we all made a point to discuss these things with not just our family, but with all of our brothers and sisters in Christ?)