“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22 -23

I was given a wonderful insight yesterday by our Father in heaven.  I was working in my kitchen, hurriedly trying to finish my task.  But for some reason, I stopped to listen to a conversation between my children.

One was complimenting the other on a project they were working on.  And the conversation was so kind and affirming between them.  They were encouraging to each other and respectful.  The first word that came to my mind was “kind.”

And it wasn’t the first time I have witnessed such an interaction. They aren’t perfect.  And sometimes they fight.  But not often.  The large majority of the time they are incredibly loving toward each other.

Now, before you start to roll your eyes, this is not a statement I am making about my wonderful parenting.  In fact, it is just the opposite.

Perhaps you are a fantastic parent and have taught your children well.  That is wonderful.  But I am many times left wondering of myself if I am doing the right things and paying attention to the most important ones.  I figure, in-between emphasizing school, extracurriculars, and every-day life, I am probably sometimes missing out on opportunities to teach them how to just be good people.

That is why I am so grateful that it isn’t all up to me.  In fact, I believe it is mostly up to God.  I do pray with and for them each night that the Holy Spirit would dwell within each of them richly.  I ask the Spirit to control their hearts and minds and to grow them into the people He wants them to be.  And, even if they don’t quite understand these prayers, He does.  And I see His work in their lives.  He is actively developing the fruit of patience, kindness and gentleness within them.  I see joy and love and peace working its way into their daily lives and interactions with others.  And it is amazing to watch.

As I said before, they aren’t perfect.  But the movement of the Spirit within them is tangible.  And I am so thankful.  Maybe I will miss a teaching opportunity every now and then.  But I don’t miss the opportunity to pray for them. To me, that is the most important thing I can do for them.   Because my security for their well-being is not wrapped in me, but in the One that loves them more than I do.  What a huge relief to realize that it isn’t all up to me to be perfect and do the right thing every time.  Thank You my Lord.

Precious Holy Spirit,

How I praise Your Holy name!  How I thank You for the work You are doing in the hearts and minds of my children.  You are a God of love, compassion, and mercy.  Please lead my children to be gracious ambassadors for You in this world.  Please use them as vessels for Your grace.  Lead them to be kind and generous to all they encounter.  And above all, teach them to hear Your voice and to recognize it in all circumstances.  May they grow to be beautiful soldiers in Your army and to be dispensers of grace at every opportunity.

In Christ’s name I pray,

Amen