1 Thessalonians Chapter 5

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18 NIV)

Prayer for Our Children

Help my little one become a Child of the Day putting on faith and love as a breastplate, Hope as her helmet of salvation, and the alertness of self-control. Encourage and build her up in You, helping her live a peaceful life, and one that respects those of maturity and wisdom. Fill her with patience, courage, good work ethics, and kindness. May she rejoice always, live a life of prayer, and give thanks in all circumstances. Help her to test everything, avoid evil, and hold onto what is good. Be faithful to her and sanctify her through Your Holy Spirit, keeping her blameless before You. ...

​We love snow. Imagine our delight when a blizzard blanketed our area and immobilized the city. While others holed up and waited for the snow to melt, we bundled up every morning to play in the sub 20-degree weather. Sweet one thick with 5 layers, bulky snow boots, mittens, and warm hat atop her head, waddled out into the winter wonderland to discover a world of fun. Snow angels, snow ball fights, and snow men filled our mornings while sliding on ice, commandeering snow piles and conquering snow mountains passed our afternoons. After our fill of the cold, we drank hot chocolate in front of the roaring gas fireplace with snuggly blankets cozying our legs and colorful socks warming our feet. For us, it was delightful, quality, family time. 

​It was also Sweet one’s first experience with deep snow. She stepped out into the thick, snowy layers, and sank down to her thighs. In slow motion, Sweet one’s head, arms, and shoulders lurched forward in a belly flopped onto the snow-covered ground. The ears to her Minnie Mouse hat bobbed above the snow’s mantle and her legs floundered to find footing. “Help, help!” she cried, unsure of how to navigate these uncharted territories. I laughed and reached to set her upright, dusting off the clinging snowflakes. By the end of the winterland weather, Sweet one could navigate through the thick layers of snow and find a sure foothold. But, by day number 3 of the snow induced isolation, all three of us were ready to venture out into the real world.

​ On unscraped, bumpy, icy roads, our SUV crept in 4-wheel drive to the most happening place in town – Walmart, of all places. Fully stocked with food and storm provisions, one oversight in our grocery list, drove us outside our development to risk life and limb…we were out of coffee creamer! My husband, like a teenager, grinned with boyish delight as he steered through huge snow boulders, crunched over layered ice, and slid with spinning tires. Sweet girl sat in the back, safely strapped in her car seat with her eyes sparkling and a huge grin stretched over her face. “It got my belly, Daddy!” she squealed with excitement, “like a ride!” She clapped her hands and kicked her legs with delight, “Do it again, Daddy! Do it again!” 

We slid and bounced our way into the Walmart parking lot, feeling each jolt and jostle. “Holy cow,” exclaimed my husband, “it’s deserted!” A surprising number of vehicles littered the parking lot and made their own parking spots. One car even pulled up onto the adjoining sidewalk of the building itself. But, in comparison to a normal Saturday afternoon, Walmart did appear deserted. 
     
When we slid into a half-cleared parking spot and tumbled out of the car, we hurried into the large building, seeking shelter and warmth. Not only did this excursion allow for us to grab the coveted booty, but it also allowed for Sweet one to engage and entertain herself with a fun activity that she loved…trying on shoes! Oh, how Sweet girl adored shoes! At an early age, she was fascinated by the assorted styles, textures, shapes, and colors that make shoes so appealing to the artistic and accessory minded. One of her favorite (and free) pastimes is to try on and model any shoe in her size that catches her eye. 

On such a snowy interlude, my husband and I thought to take advantage of our time in the large store to intentionally entertain Sweet one. So, skipping with excitement and trilling a happy little tune, Sweet girl, with us in tow, happily made a beeline to the shoe area. Eyes sparkling and wide smile radiating, Sweet girl tried on shoes to her heart's content. High heels, slippers, sneakers, cowboy boots, and Mary Janes. Sparkly shoes, bright colored shoes, fuzzy slippers, polka dotted shoes, leather boots, princess shoes, and fancy shoes with bows. Ever on her best behavior for this special treat, Little one would sweetly ask and point, “May I try those shoes on?” After gaining consent, the shoes found their way onto Little girl’s feet in lightning speed and proficiency. Next, she would run to the mirror and peer at her reflection a broad grin on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. Then, rushing back to remove the shoes, she would ask with great demeanor, “May I try on another pair?” Oh, how this entire process kept Little girl occupied for quite some time. 
     
​After Sweet one tried on her last pair of shoes, we made our way to the refrigerated items on the hunt for good creamer. We passed through the women’s department and walked by the children’s section, fingering cute outfits as we wandered. Heart contented, and full, Sweet girl bounced beside us and began singing, “Oh, how I love Jesus! Oh, how I love Jesus! Oh, how I love Jesus…”” A woman pushing a cart looked our way and smiled approvingly at Little one as she passed. “…because He first loved me!” trilled Sweet one with joyous proclamation as she held my hand. 

Sweet one beamed as she sang, blithely ignorant of the eyes which looked her direction. Cognizant only of the love and happiness bubbling inside, she grinned at everyone and everything, desiring to share her overflow of joy with the world. “Oh, how I love Jesus,” she continued, swinging her hand in mine. “Oh, how I love Jesus,” came the sweet tones as she skipped and bounced, “oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!” 
   
​Here, we are in the middle of Walmart, and Sweet one was baring witness of the joy that God’s love brings us, the peace His presence instills in us, and the love that His Word reveals in our hearts and in our lives. How much more should we, adults, sing His praises aloud for the world to hear, when we are filled with His great love and joy? When we are bathed in His awesome goodness and grace and mercy? How else can we let the whole world know? A song that my sweet girl loves to sing comes to mind. “We won’t stop ‘til the whole world knows, we won’t stop ‘til the whole world knows, we won’t stop ‘til the whole world knows, that You’re a great God, GREAT God, GREAT GOD!!” May it be so in our lives and in our hearts this day, Amen and Amen.

A Parent's Prayer

Forgive me Lord for the many times I am ashamed or embarrassed to shine Your Light or speak Your Name. Help me be brave and courageous to testify of Your goodness and grace and to stand firm for Your Truth. Let Your light illuminate my life so to bring glory and honor to You. I pray that Your praises will ever be on my lips and that I may sing of Your love forever.