Teachable Moments

I've been thinking a lot about teachable moments lately. I feel like my mind has been very aware on a daily basis when an opportunity arises that I can either 1) handle a situation myself and/or give my kids a quick answer like "because" or "you're to little to understand" or 2) take advantage of a teachable moment with my children. For example, when crossing the street with my three year old, I can simply grab his hand and tell him when to cross the street. I can also hold his hand, ask him to look both ways and tell me if cars or coming, and explain that we do this so that we stay safe when crossing streets. See the difference? Take it to a little deeper level. The other day "A" was singing along to the song, "You Never Let Go," by Matt Redman. A part of me just wanted to say, "that's nice singing "A"," and leave it at that. However, a little alarm went off in my head and it said, "TEACHABLE MOMENT!" So, I began to talk to her about the lyrics of the song, what it meant that Jesus would never let go of us during the storms of life, what the phrase 'every high and every low,' meant, etc. It ended up being a really meaningful conversation that I was able to have with my daughter about how awesome Jesus is and how he's always there for her! I love this verse, Psalm 34:11, "Come my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." I hope that I can do that for my kids. Now, I'm not saying I never miss an opportunity, but I've learned that when I ask God to make me aware of teachable moments with my kids, he never disappoints. It is so rewarding to see your children understand something new, whether it's a simple life maintenance skill, Biblical truth, or academic achievement, knowing you were the one that taught them how to do that. Once again, when it comes to teachable moments, I have seen my spiritual life reflecting what God is teaching me in my parenting.

A few weeks ago during our small group, we were discussing Jesus talking to his disciples about who was going to be the greatest in the kingdom of God. As usual the disciples were arguing and just not getting it. However, Jesus didn't rebuke them, he took advantage of the moment, and used it as a teachable moment. Mark 9: 33-37, " They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, 'What were you arguing about on the road?' But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and a servant of all.' He took a little child an had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.'" I feel like if I was Jesus, I would have been thinking, "Seriously guys, haven't we talked about this before? Just do what I say, no questions!" However, Jesus took the time to explain, and created a teachable moment for his disciples. Luckily for me, Jesus is willing to take advantage of teachable moments with me too. He's willing and wanting to teach me new things about his character, his love, and his word, just to name a few. We never have to worry that we're going to get a pat answer from God. He delights in seeing his children grasp a new truth.

I encourage you to pray this week and ask God to show you teachable moments with your kids. When it seems easier and quicker just to do it ourselves, or give a blow off answer, I hope we would choose to teach and grow our kids instead. I also pray that we will take the time to sit at the feet of the ultimate teacher and glean from all he wants to teach us.