My daughter Ella has had a rough couple of months as we have transitioned to a new place. She has struggled in our new place. No it isn’t anything anyone has done. No I am not going into the second grade and having to beat up some boys and girls for not making her feel welcome. She is just having a hard time not seeing her Mom and Dad as much every day. Transitions can be difficult. Childhood can be difficult.
For the first two months at St. John I had a kid who just cried and cried every time I dropped her off. So about two weeks ago I tried a different tactic. I said Ella if we are going to cry every day I am not going to walk you to class. I also said when we go down to her class I would pray for her right at the door and send her into class if she promised to be brave. It is now the best part of my day. I get down on my knees, hold her forehead to forehead and look her right in the eyes and pray for her out loud. My prayer normally goes like this, “Dear, Jesus help Ella to have a great day. Help Ella to not be scared. Help Ella to not get crushed by a boulder…(She smiles about that one) Help Ella to see Jesus. Amen!” I then give her a kiss, a high five and send her off to class. It has totally changed the daily routine.
It really made me think these last few weeks about praying for my kids. I do it every day. Recently I have seen the power in letting them see me pray for them. It is not for show it is so they know God is watching over them. It is a way for me to speak Jesus into there lives.
As a parent, grandparent, brother or sister I would encourage you to pray for your family. From time to time pray out loud in their presence. It is another way to share Jesus in their lives. It may be one of the most powerful ways to show Jesus and His love to those around you. God bless you as your walk with Jesus this week.