The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: A Boy's Prayer

I have to admit these past few weeks I have felt like a complete failure as a mom. God has blessed me with four children to love, teach, and train for His kingdom. What a great responsibility!

As my two oldest sons have started playing football, I have seen how they struggle. I blame myself and my husband for that. We haven't spent the time with our children playing sports that most parents do. Both kiddos were terrified of the ball. They would duck if the ball came their direction. I guess we assumed our children would be natural athletes like us...not the case.

We have spent countless hours practicing with these two. I stuffed a pillow in my shirt so my oldest could practice his tackling. My younger son is no longer ducking, but catching the ball. My oldest son can now throw a beautiful spiral. They have improved so much in football these past few weeks with our help. It makes me so proud as a mom.

This morning on the way to school it was my middle son's turn to pray. He has prayed the same prayer since I can remember. I have it memorized...Thank you for The Lord, thank you for the people, thank you for the world. Amen.

Today it changed! A few weeks ago my boys had spirit week. For our nightly devotions, we switched things up and focused a full week on prayer. I spent the week teaching my kids how to pray. We focused on giving thanks, asking for forgiveness, request, and reminding God of His promises to us. 

When he prayed this morning, my heart leaped with joy. He didn't say a routine prayer. He thanked God for His teacher and school. He asked for forgiveness. He spoke from His heart. He talked to God. At dinner, he prayed again. One that was different from the other. How do you describe the feeling that gives you as a mom? You can't. 

Like any other mom, I want my kids to succeed in their extracurricular activities, their academics, etcetera. But, do I put  these things above things of God? God had to put that in perspective for me today. I do not want to fail in the area that matters most. Their eternal future.

It is my prayer that ALL my children will receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That they will love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind. 

What a great responsibility God gives us!