I have a favorite spot to read as I am sure we probably all do. For me, it’s right here ….
In my desk chair, turned around so I can put my feet up on the back of the couch. I pull my blanket up over me and settle to read in my corner of the family room. It is there, in that chair, I read to Sophia each day she was over as she sat in my lap. She enjoyed being read to and would have me read for hours, or at least until my throat ran dry.
Along came Jocelyn, a little girl formed in a new and different mold. To my disappointment, she did not enjoy being read to. She did not even want to sit to look at pictures. I tried repeatedly to read books to her but she made it clear she truly wanted no part. Until a few weeks ago.
Something kicked in and now as soon as the door closes behind her dad each morning, she grabs a few books for us to read together. To my delight, she climbs up into my lap and will sit to listen to a story unfold. There is nothing like watching her little face anticipate, what she already knows will occur. It is hard to keep myself from laughing as she cups her hand over her own mouth to keep from laughing too soon.
But nothing, nothing at all, can compare to what I experienced first hand last week. I was so grateful I had the presence of mind to grab my iPad to capture the moment which spoke deeply into my heart.
I had to get up to go use the bathroom. I told Jocelyn I would be right back and she got down from the chair with me. Typically she would follow and come into the bathroom a few seconds behind me. This time she turned around and went back into the family room. As I came into the kitchen, I looked into the family room to see this precious moment ….
It’s been a few days and to share openly, I still cannot look at this picture without tearing up. Oh, how these little ones watch and learn. She even realized she needed to push the chair closer to the couch for her little feet to reach up.
As parents, and now as a Mimi, my heart has longed to teach my children to love God, to love His Word and to pursue Him full out hard all their days. And as quick as lightening, this little one brought me instruction through the Still Small Voice inside me.
It is in the living, the daily and the mundane living, our children will learn how to live. Their observations, which we may be totally oblivious to, will teach more deeply than any words we may speak to them, day in and day out.
Paul put it this way….
“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9, NLT)
I’m remembering today – little eyes will be watching.
May I teach them well.
Today I may be joining …. Playdates With God and Unforced Rhythms and Salt & Light and Mon. Musings and Create With Joy and Making Your Home Sing and Good Morning Mondays and Motivation Mon. .
As a grandma myself, I loved this post and could relate totally. I recently realized afresh how quickly the seasons and opportunities pass as they make way for new and different ones. But they are all precious and important. May we steward them well. Those little ones ARE watching. So glad I found you at Good Morning Mondays @ Darling Downs Diaries. I’d love to have you linkup on Mondays @ Soul Survival, as well.
Blessings!
Donna, you so wisely pointed out that “the seasons & opportunities pass as they make way for new & different ones”. May our eyes be ever open to see those opportunities. Thank you for suggesting Soul Survival as well š
Thank you for sharing this reminder. I am a mom of littles and I am so encouraged by this. Maybe my children are listening to me more than I think. I am stopping by from Unforced rhythms. š
Jolene, you know how we think it all goes in one ear & out the other with kids? Well I truly am not so sure! Be encouraged they do hear the words you are saying. May God give them a heart & mind to follow. Blessings!
This is just a beautiful post and the photos are just gorgeous. It is so special to spend time with our children and our grandchildren. Thank you for sharing it at Good Morning Mondays, I was truly blessed.
Thank you so much for stopping here, sharing & encouraging me. I am glad I shared the photo which spoke deeply into my heart. May you enjoy each moment with your children & grandchildren. Blessings!
What a sweet lesson and a precious picture. I needed this reminder today…that the little ones they learn, even when we think they aren’t watching or paying attention. I love that picture of your little beauty…what a picture to treasure and cherish!
Nicki, it is amazing what little ones can teach us, isn’t it! They take in much more than we realize. Jocelyn truly is precious & not because she is my granddaughter š
What a sweet picture, JoAnne! And such a little cutie. It is so true how they watch and learn. Even now, with my boys in high school, I see how they watch me–for the bigger things now. Do I keep my word? Do I speak ill of their father? Do I lose my temper too easily? We have been granted such a privilege to influence their lives. Lovely thoughts, my friend.
Laura, it is so true! The things they observe become much more character forming, if you will. Keep showing those boys Jesus & you will be amazed at what fine young men they will become! Blessings!
Such a precious post. I can feel the love of your reading time together. Thank you for sharing it with us.
There’s nothing like cuddling under a blanket with her & a good book š
Oh, what a precious picture; she’s a cutie! There is nothing better than story time; I used to love to read to my daughters, and now have the joy of reading to my baby grandson, who loves books! You are so right; even when we don’t think they are listening or watching, it is such a sweet blessing when we see our children follow in our footsteps. I am seeing it more and more now that my girls are raising their own families! š
Blessings dear one; enjoy the rest of your week!
Denise
It’s true Denise. We see the fruit of our labors as they go out on their own & the next generation comes along. Deposit as much as you can into that little guy. He’ll never forget it! Blessings!
Jo, I am so glad I went back and read this post! I relate it also to today’s post. In the fullness of time! How precious! Jocelyn’s watching you and wanting to be like you and do the things you do! I almost teared up at this one. I remember the blog when you shared about when she got stuck between the sofa and table. I loved what you shared also about Jocelyn with the blanket over her head to see the light of the train. I love you and your precious family. Mare
Thank you, Mare! Yes, I learn much from Jocelyn as I did from Sophia. And still do! God knows exactly what we each need to learn & grow in Him! Much love!