Happy Friday! Each week we feature a devotional, book review or testimony ~ a “Devotional Spotlight”, written by a woman in our ministry. Today’s devotional comes from Samantha Morgan. Read about how the Lord used candy corn and a sweet pup to provide a teachable moment for this mama and son.
“A Story of Candy Corn Overdose…A Teachable Moment”
She knew it was forbidden. She had never had one of the candies that everyone else was crazy about. Candy Corns. They happen to be one of mom’s favorites. Every Fall they were put out in dishes around the house. Every year she was forbidden. “They’ll tear up your stomach,” they said. She was told over and over again, “No, Sadie!”
See our dog, Sadie, loves people food but from the time she entered our house she’s been told no to all of it. But every good dog has her day. Or days in this case…
Sadie has had a chocolate rum cake, two filets, lots of cheerios (from little people who were also learning what no means), and trash straight from the can. But on my birthday this year she chose to eat my candy corns – a thoughtful gift from my middle son.
Teaching moments are scattered throughout our days. God Himself through Moses in Dueteronomy 6:6 tells us to “Impress them (His commands) on your children.” And continues in verse 7 telling us to “talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” When God asks us to do something He gives opportunities for us to obey. Teachable moments are written into your day, Sweet Momma, just waiting for you to redeem them.
So here was the wonderful teaching moment. My oldest son’s relationship with the dog has truly grown over the last two years as he now feeds, waters, and pets her on his own initiative. We’ve seen him grow up as he is learning to recognize the needs of another and sometimes have to sacrifice to meet those needs.
He was headed to the bus and wanted to say bye to Sadie. I told him she was in “time out” (the great outdoors) since she’d had 16 oz of pure sugar the previous night.
Sadie
“Oh, well I’ll just wave”, he said.
“No, she’s in time out. She’s dealing with her consequences.” Seeing the confusion on his face, I asked him, “Does our sin affect only us?”
“Yes”, he said.
“Did Sadie sin?” I asked.
“Yes”.
“Is it effecting your time with her?”
A slow ‘light bulb’ look came across his face. “Oh…yes it is” he said.
The lesson we learned that morning was two-fold. Every action has a consequence. And sin really does separate. My oldest son’s lesson was mild but memorable. He will come home to a happy dog who has totally forgot her offenses and the lack of his presence this morning and they will run and talk and be best friends again.
Best Friends
These are the walking along the way moments that will be conjured back to mind when doubts present themselves. These moments are given through our days for us to regularly tell our children about God and His incredible plan to rescue us. Look for them. Ask for them. Ask God, since He is the One who asked you to talk about Him with your children, to magnify and multiply your conversations about Him with your kids. Then be ready to redeem those opportunities.
