Let It Be "Caught" ~ By Dionna Sanchez

I usually choose to do my Bible Study while my girls are at school.  It's easier because I don't have to worry about being interrupted and I can focus on what the lesson is about.  I have done the same thing with my quiet prayer time.  There are moments where I feel like I just need to go face down on the ground and pray before the Lord with all my heart and being.  But I've chosen to do this in seclusion - in private.

At Bible Study recently, we were talking about trying to fit our devotion times in, trying to find a "spot" that was just designated for our quiet times with the Lord, etc.  Someone made the comment that if we always do our devotions or Bible Studies in private, how will our kids know that it's important to us?  This was such a profound statement.  It really impacted my heart in a strong way.

I want my children to remember and feel what was important in my life.  I want them to know that God was not only important to me, but He was a priority to me.  How can they know that, if I choose to spend time with Him only when they aren't around to witness it?

I think it's important to risk interruptions and disturbances in our time with the Lord sometimes so that our children will be able to see what we are doing.  They should be able to see our Bible commentaries, Bibles, hear our praise and worship music, etc. so that they can "catch" the love, devotion, and importance that we place on it in our lives.  They should be able to walk in on us praying and realize that "hey, mom prays more than just at dinner or bed time! It must be important to her to talk to the Lord!"

I know that sometimes our quiet time with the Lord is needed.  Sometimes we just need that "one on one" with Him to refresh our souls and help us get our thoughts and priorities straight. But consider also, doing it amongst the busyness of your daily household happenings from time to time as well.  Let your children witness you studying God's Word and talking to Him. Let them see your Bible, Christian books, CD's, and other things lying about so that they know you have been reading and listening to things of the Lord.

How will we ever expect them to "catch" our faith if we don't let them see ours firsthand?  We can talk about it all we want but demonstrating it will make a deeper impact on their hearts.

~ Visit Dionna's blog at Precious Moms - http://www.preciousmoms.com/talk/blog/index.cfm?forumid=2