Challenge

Our pastor challenged us at the end of May to grow spiritually during the summer. The challenge was to read the book of Psalms. So, I thought that this would be a good thing to do at night as a family before bed right? Well, it seemed like a good thing to do. However, for whatever reason, my 11 and 9 year old are not always on board for trying new things. I think it might be there job sometimes to automatically oppose trying new things (especially if they are mom or dad's idea). Now, keep in mind that if it's their idea, it's a good idea.;) Roll with me here. So, at the beginning of June, I explain that we're all going to read Psalms at night--a chapter for each one of us and we'll pass the Bible around. It came time for that first night and I hear, "ah....it's time to read the Bible--RUN!". What is up with that? We finally get everyone on the couch and Spencer begins a hacking, nagging cough, one cat comes in meowing, the other rubbing all over Spencer to distract him, and the dog panting, head-butting our hand to pet her. I'm thinking "Come On!" This is just one chapter for each of us. We're not changing the world here--just trying to read the Bible. I decided to commit to doing this each night if it killed me and I just about thought it was going to initially. After a couple of weeks, I decided that 4 chapters is too long at that time of night to hold all of our attention without somebody falling apart. So, I divided in 1/2 to 2 chapters per night. It's either Natalie and Trevis' night or mine and Spencer's night. This is working!!! It took a few weeks, but we're all ENJOYING reading God's word together. The kids always know whose time it is to read. We have also focused on good listening skills--looking at the reader, listening with your eyes as well as your ears etc.....This will serve them well in life. The kids cannot believe how many songs we sing that are from the Psalms. I can't either for that matter. So, persistance (and prayer) is paying off. Spencer made the statement that it doesn't look like we'll get through reading all the Psalms this summer, so what are we going to do? I told him we'll keep on reading them after school starts. So, here's to many more stress-free nights on the couch reading the Psalms.

With much love,