It is a Hobbs family tradition to regularly bring home loads of books from the library for the children to read. Yesterday was one of those days. My husband Kenya carted a brand new batch of books into the house for all the kids. They were so excited! You see, in our home, our children view curling up with books--or making their own--as the best source of entertainment.
I greatly enjoy seeing them get lost in delightful stories, while developing an affinity for some of the very books Kenya and I loved growing up. As homeschooling parents, one of the best learning resources we can ever give our children is a love of reading.
This is why we also believe it is essential to challenge them with vocabulary-rich books to expand their knowledge base. So whenever the children ask the meaning or pronunciation of a word, more often than not, we direct them to the dictionary. This teaches them to search for answers, rather than expecting to be spoon-fed. Kenya and I believe kids retain information better when they have to seek it out on their own.
With the boys, who are younger, we tend to do a bit more hand-holding, though.
Yesterday, my seven year old son Kedar and I were reading a picture book together. I knew he was challenged by some of the bigger vocabulary words that were a bit above his reading level. When he came across a word he didn't know, I would see his eyes wander over to an illustration in search of picture clues.
But that method was wholly ineffective.
The images in this particular book had more abstract, misleading elements. But still, a few times, Kedar blurted his best guess based on the pictures he saw. Each time he got a word wrong using this useless method, I would gently tell him, "The pictures can mislead you. You have to learn to read the words and not the pictures, okay?" Then I would help him decode the word.
As adults, I believe we can gain spiritual insight from this natural lesson.
Many times, our eyes turn away from what the word of God says, because we are much too distracted by the picture created by our circumstances. Often, what we see and what He says, are two different things entirely, amen?
But we must rely on God's word to tell us what's really going on, even when what we observe sends a conflicting message.
While we're facing challenging times of testing in our lives, it may not seem like things are working out. But Romans 8:28 is still true. It says, "And we know that in all things work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
God's word yet stands, no matter how things appear. How do I know that?
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."
When we're being afflicted and pressed on every side, it may look like we're losing. But the word says in Romans 8:37, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
The question is, are we going to believe what we see or what He says?
Today, I'm filling your cup of inspiration with the pure, unadulterated word of God. When it gets hard, hectic, and heavy, don't let your eyes wander over to the picture you see. Rather, do what Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Lord, Your word tells me in Romans 10:11 that anyone who puts their trust in You will never be put to shame. And yet, in my humaness and frailty God, I sometimes get distracted by the grim picture painted by my circumstances. But today, I thank You for this word You have sent to remind me that Your word is true, despite what it looks like. Please help me to always put my hope and confidence in You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you.
