My understanding of who God is was primarily molded during my childhood years. My understanding was shaped more by watching my parents and the adults in my life than by the doctrinal studies of the Catechism classes of my youth. This is a sobering fact. It is sobering because I wrestle with questions like, “What do I want my kids to understand about God, themselves, and the world they live in?” and “What am I communicating to them right now about these things?”
A couple of months ago my kids (9 and 7) asked if I would coach their baseball teams. I said, “yes,” because I want my kids to know that God always says “yes” to participating with his children in that which delights them. I began to listen to and watch tutorials and develop a philosophy around coaching because I want my kids to know that God works for good on their behalf. I am building practice activities suitable for kids and arranging them in a way that would be engaging and challenging for them. I am doing this because I want them to know that God wants us to enjoy the fullness of life here and now.
I will not be explaining these things to my kids. My desire is that the kids I coach will simply experience the challenge and delight of playing baseball. My hope and prayer is that when they learn about God that they will recognize him for who he is because they have already experienced something of his love and joy.
Father, thank you for giving us the amazing privilege of being salt and light in this world, just as you were. Thank you for your Spirit, who fills us with the wisdom, love, and goodness that you want us to display openly at all times and in all circumstances. May we all be living books pointing people to your beauty and goodness. Amen.
Throughout This Day: Thank God for the people who manifested God’s character to you as you grew up, or who manifest it to this day. Ask God to show you how you can reflect the fruit of his Spirit as you go about this Day.
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