"My water bottle.......and how it brought me to tears"
By Deana Kelikliian Spyers
There are times our children bring us to tears. Sometimes those tears are brought about because of difficult times, harsh words, or unnecessary fights. But there are those moments when something so precious takes place, that there is no other expression to describe the feeling you get inside, other than tears. Tonight I had two of those special moments.
As we were driving home, we were talking about choices and how one choice can ruin your whole life or at least make it take a turn in a very wrong direction. Jackson said to me, "Mom, there's times when I want to cuss at Riley and Gigi or hit them because they make me so angry! And you know what I do? I rebuke the devil and tell him I'm not going to do it." I told him that was a good thing, but that the Bible was the best weapon he had and that if those thoughts came back again that he should start speaking scripture. Like Matthew 5:44 "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." or Matthew 5:39 "Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the cheek, turn the other also."
I told him about how, as a child, I was often afraid at night. My dad put Luke 10:19 on my wall and to this day, I can quote it: "I have given you the power to tread on serpants and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy so that nothing shall by any means hurt you." It helped me to not be afraid...that's the power the Word has. Jack thought about that a few minutes then said, "Mom, do you think you could write out some scriptures for me on pieces of paper so when i start thinking those things, I could read those scriptures? or put them on index cards and put the cards on a ring so I can hang it from my belt?"
I can't express what I felt in that moment. Success, joy, pride, tenderness...such an array of emotions that only a tear could express....followed by a "absolutely, yes!"
Later, as Jackson said his prayers, he said, "God, please don't let mommy dump out all of her water bottle. Let her keep some for herself. And don't let her guzzle it. Don't let other people drink it all, either, but let her give some away and keep some too."
I had no idea what he was talking about. But before I started praying, he interrupted me and asked if I knew what he meant. He went on to explain.
In chapel today, whoever spoke said that every morning we are given a new bottle filled with water. Some people guzzle it all for themselves, never sharing it with others. Some people give it all away and are left with none. But God intends for us to give some away and keep some for ourselves.
Jack said, "Mommy, you give all your water away. And it's a good thing, because God has blessed us so much because of it. But you need to keep some of it and not give it all to us. You need some time for yourself...you need to keep some of your water. You're the best mom and you give so much. I like that about you."
Again, there were emotions I couldn't even put into words. I looked at him and all I could say was, "I love you, Jack." And through my tears, I prayed over him.
There are times my kids leave me in awe because of their wisdom, their heart, their spirit...their love for me....but mostly because of their love for God and their desire to do what pleases God. My kids are not perfect, but there are moments like these that I realize they get it. The foundation is there and it is strong. The little (sometimes seemingly big) things will work themselves out, because my children are grounded in God's Word. And sometimes God uses the mouth of a babe to correct us or guide us...and does so, so lovingly.
Today my water bottle is completely empty...I gave it all away. But I look forward to a new one tomorrow. I know I will smile as I share it, but I will be sure to save a few drops for myself and will take time to savor its refreshment.
My prayer for today is that we all can refresh someone else with our "Water bottles"
Thanks for taking a moment of your time to share with me
Have a great ride and make it count
<3 ~ M
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