Wonder Hike

My Little Disciples 

Often homeschooling, working, and managing a household gets overwhelming. Often, my husband graciously grants me alone time. . 

As it is winter here still, this has often looked like a snowshoe walks to my favorite neighborhood trail early in the morning before the grind starts. But now that we are back in daylight savings time and it isn't getting light until after 7 am again, but staying light until 7 pm, I took advantage of the warm early evening earlier this week and announced I was going for a walk. 

My littlest one looked at me and said, with pleading blue eyes, "Can I go?" It had been a hard listening school day and a harder work day. I needed some quiet time, but how could I resist? He is so stinking cute, so I reluctantly agreed. 

My Joy Bugs

Interestingly, it turned out to be the hike that I desperately needed but didn't know. 

Just as we rounded the first corner, we ran into a snowmelt stream running down the side of the road. I may have walked past it but not my little guy. No, he was so excited. Like Disneyland, excited and went running over to it. Talking a million miles an hour, he exclaimed, 

"Look! Some parts go under the snow and come back out again a few feet later."

Excitedly skipping, he went, pointing out a discovery every few feet. Soon the exuberance was contagious, and I joined in the excitement of checking out all the fascinating things the snow melt was causing down the road and through the forest as the path wound its way toward and away from the spring runoff stream. 

If I had gone by myself, I probably would have half worried, half prayed, going over with God again all the troubles this season has brought. I would have been begging for an answer from God as I have been for the past few months and missed out on all the wonder right in front of me. But through the eyes of the little one, who has no worries or cares, the changing seasons were full of tiny miracles and beautiful blessings. 

As soon as I could see it, I realized it was the answer I was looking for. 

Yes, I am waiting for some answers in a hard season. Yes, there is much to fear in the current economy, political unrest, and increasingly anti-God cultural movements. But I do not need to worry about these things. My Good Father is taking care of me. 

My Little Disciples

Again, I am amazed at how much God teaches me through my little disciples. It's starting to be a running joke between God and me when I laugh and ask Him, "who is teaching who here?" But I know it is my Good Father who is discipling me. And I have learned something else about this too. The best way to become a great discipler is to be discipled yourself. Jesus said to His disciples when He knew His time was coming close, "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:25-26. What a promise and what a gift that I am finding to be so very true. 

When I pay attention, I find that I am discipled by the Holy Spirit living in me, bringing His Truth through His Word in each and every moment of my life. Praise be to God that He has sent His Spirit to guide us, teach us, and transform us to be more and more like Jesus. Glory be to God that He equips us to disciple our littles and others as they return the favor.