From the Overflow of the Heart

     

     (Luke 6:43-45) "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.  People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.  The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."
     I must confess, what flows out of my mouth is not always pleasing to the Lord.  There are days that my 4 year old decides he is going to make a day out of testing the waters with his mama.  Those are the days my patience run thin and I know I speak in anger at times.  I am learning that during those times I need to remind myself about all the beautiful things that make up my little boy.
     He has a way of looking at me with his eyes squinted into a smile that is so sweet.  When his lips breaks into a smile it makes the whole room light up!  His laugh is absolutely contagious!  The feel of his hand in mine is precious.  My morning snuggle time with him is one of the best parts of my day.  His animal obsession is great!  His personality radiates from him.  I love when he makes up songs and sings them to Jesus!  There are so many things...
     "Mommy, you're so beautiful.  You're like a princess."  My heart melts.  "Mommy, you're so kind.  You're my sweetheart.  I really love you."  This is when I  become a complete puddle in his hands.  "Mommy, we'll always be together, right?" ahhh... so sweet!  Of course, that one is a bit of 'Lion King' coming out.  :)
     I pray that someday his heart will be overwhelmed with how much God loves him.  I pray that what overflows from him is praise for the Lord.
     Children learn from experience.  They watch everything around them and listen with ears much bigger than we think.  I pray that the Lord helps me to keep my own life in check so that what is repeated from watching me is not the sin and filth that so often wants to show itself.  I pray that I lead my children with God's grace to be in love with HIM.