Story Time
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite times as a dad used to be story time with my children. After everyone had their bath and was ready for bed we would snuggle up and read a few stories. We had our favorites –
Little Bear
books,
Officer Buckle and Gloria
,
Blueberries for Sal
,
The Quiltmaker’s Gift
– just to name a few.
Many nights I would put the books away and turn the lights off and make up a story with things that I knew my children loved –brave young girls, flowery meadows, caves and mountains, talking animals, treasure, adventure, etc. I would create a whole world in my imagination that taught bravery, courage, compassion, love, kindness, perseverance, etc. I would weave into the stories the things that I wanted my children to learn.
As I look back on these memories I realize that our goal should always be to tell our children stories that we hope will teach them to be their best and to seek to be the kind of people that God has created us to be. Stories about our own history, our present, and even our future, can guide our children in hopeful, loving, and imaginative ways. They can also create fear, anxiety, and judgment. Which kind of stories are you telling your children?
I was reminded of a scene from a favorite movie,
Remember the Titans
. The coach tries to motivate his new quarterback with an inspirational story from his own past. Perhaps it seems manipulative but it helps him rise to the occasion to be his best self. Stories can do that! Make sure the stories you tell your children over time help guide them on the path of Jesus!
To God be the Glory!
Robert
