Children Model What They See!

Was this a powerful lesson the Lord showed me this week!!!! Yes, I did know that children model what they see, for all you who are thinking...wow, she didn't know that? Here's the story...

I have been an horrible example to my kids with filling the gas tank. I am one of those girls who ride on the "shining light". When I do stop I never have time to fill up either. I will put 2 dollars in the tank and keep rolling! There have been times when 2 bucks was all I had though, so you gotta do what you gotta do.

Anyways, we have on occasion left the house and I have told Nathan and Isaiah that they need to pray we make it to the gas station. I have done it when their friends were in the car too! My kids have comforted their friends and told them we never run out and that I do it all the time! So sad! Has taught them how to minister to those who are fearful though! Some of them have told me that their moms, do the same and others have super moms who keep the tanks full! You go girls!!!!

Well, Tuesday night my phone rings, I was not in the room so Willie answered because he saw it was Isaiah who has recently started driving. I hear a desperate (not happy) call for my name. Willie says, "that was YOUR son he ran out of gas." Can I say the Marine was not happy!

I called Isaiah back got more details. I had given him cash earlier to get gas too so I was really confused, then worried that he was stranded. You know I gave him all the dos and don'ts....lock the doors, stay in the car, do not get out until we get there...and don't roll down the window for anyone and keep the hazards on. My goodness he was on 9A!

I pretty much stayed on the phone with him until the upset Marine got there(gave him a pep talk before he left). Isaiah was telling me how he thought he could make it, but then...the car just stopped. Oh boy, I knew I had modeled a very unhealthy behavior. Wow, what a lesson for me!

The Lord really dealt with me about it. My son has seen me do this for YEARS! He was attempting to make it like I have always done...with the money in his pocket. I realized I had not been a good example in this area. I did feel bad...because I thought about it and realized I had modeled a behavior that actually could have put him in danger. Thanks that could is our Protector.

The next day, I apologized to Isaiah for setting such a bad example. Parents, our children are watching us and will do what they see us do. We need to examine what we do, what we say and realize they will practice what you do....not what you preach.

Let's model...a life of godliness. Let's be the examples of Christ they need in their lives. May they see a parent that not only loves God but has a life dedicated to following Him! Please do not live a sloppy life as a believer before them. Let them see a life of godliness and watch them model that!

I gotta get that gas thing under control! love ya all!!!!
written as Facebook note on Saturday, March 7th.