Living on Florida’s central Atlantic coast, one of the most rejuvenating things I can do is to step out onto the beach and take in the vastness of the ocean. It never fails to remind me how small I am and how big and powerful my God is. Little else can put things in perspective for me so quickly.

Not long ago I took my eight-year-old daughter, Mikaela for a little mommy-daughter stroll. Watching the crashing waves, I was moved to seize this moment to open her eyes afresh and anew to the love the Creator has for her.

Scooping up a handful of sand, I told her that God’s thoughts for us are as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18) And not just thoughts about us as a group of people but for each and every one of us individually.

We marveled together as we discovered just how tiny a single grain really is. We talked about how we could never begin to count the grains of sand just in my hand, let alone as far as our eyes could see. Then we remembered that practically every coast on earth and the bottom of the entire ocean is covered in sand.

We reflected that not only is this how much the God of the universe thinks about us, but that every one of His thoughts are for our good. Her bright eyes filled with wonder.

Then I challenged her to follow me, landing her steps right in my footprints. After a few yards, I began to point out the birds flying overhead. I asked her questions. I made observations. All the while walking down the shore.

Suddenly, I came to a stop and took her back to our starting point. Her footsteps were right in line with mine. One straight path. Like only one person was walking. “But, what happened here,” I asked as I pointed out where the single path split into two separate sets of prints. Her little face twisted in deep thought, and I reminded her, “This is where you got distracted.”

Then I shared this with her about walking with the Lord:

“If our eyes are straight ahead and focused on Him, we can keep our steps in line with His. But if we begin to look around us and get distracted by what’s going on - whether good or bad - our focus is taken off of Him, and we begin to walk in a separate path.

We all get off track sometimes, but if you ever notice that you’ve become distracted by whatever’s going on around you, and you’ve gotten off course, simply look up. Find where He is. And jump right back in line with Him.

If in life you keep your eyes on Him, He will lead you down the straight path, right to His best for your life.”

I could see the workings of her soul through her eyes. I know the Holy Spirit is continually revealing more and more of Himself to this incredible girl who will soon - all too soon - grow to be a powerful woman of God. And I thank Him daily for the small role He is allowing me to play in her life as her mommy.

I challenge you to keep your eyes open. Opportunities to talk to our kids about the things of God surround us every day. Creation really does declare His glory. (Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:20) Everything in this world tells His story and points to Him because, after all, isn’t that what life's all about?

Blessings,

Jenny Zentz

For more encouragement along these lines please see my posts From Sunday to Everyday: Raising Kids Who Truly Love the Lord and How to be Radiant: Maintaining Proper Son Exposure

Jenny is a stay-at-home mom with two amazing kids, a wonderful husband and an awesome God who keeps it all together, even when she is falling apart! Jenny says her mess is her message, and she is a firm believer in the power of transparency. You can find and connect with Jenny on her blog at www.JennyZentz.com where her mission is to help women discover practical ways to apply the power of God's Word to their everyday stuff! You can also follow her on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/jennyzentz.