My Child, The Teacher

My daughter has enlightened my life with the two most amazing tips lately. The first tip was given to me a few weeks ago, when I was wearing a black shirt, and had somehow managed to get deodorant streaks across both sides of it. My efforts to wash them off with a wet washcloth seemed to be to no avail.
As I stood there losing the battle against the white streaks, she walked through my bedroom and casually said as she passed, “just use some black pantyhose”. Huh? I have never heard of that and was sure that it would not work, but since nothing else been successful, I pulled out a pair of hose and gently rubbed them against my shirt. It was like a magic act! The white streaks disappeared quickly and completely! I was amazed, never will I forget this awesome tip! Every morning when I get dressed, I no longer stress about getting deodorant on my clothes, because now I know it doesnt have to be there all day because I have plenty of pantyhose!
This same daughter has a constant case of the hiccups. Loud hiccups. Hiccups that startle people and make them stare over at us when we are in public places. But she went on a mission trip recently and came home with a remedy. The first time I saw her doing it, I once again did not believe her new-found method would cure her hiccups. I’ve seen and read lots and lots of so called cures for hiccups before, and none of them ever work. But this time, when she performed her hiccup remedy – within seconds, her hiccups were gone. It was like magic again! She simply took a big swallow of water and held both hands tightly over her ears before she swallowed, and the hiccups stopped! What a smart girl. Wow. Where does she learn all these cool things?
Aside from these silly (but awesome!) tips, I often do gain great knowledge from my children. They always seem to say things to make me think; things to make me look at how I am acting or habits that I have that are not always becoming; things that help me see situations or people in a different perspective than I had been seeing; sometimes they help us to put on those rose colored glasses that grownups have usually stored away in the attic.
Sometimes we need to listen our kids. God uses them to teach us, just as He uses us to teach them. It’s a two way street. Yes, I know I am the parent, and I consider that a huge privilege and responsibility and lean on God every day to help me be the Godly parent that He has called me to be.
However, knowing that, I pray that I can still keep my heart open to learning from them, and not discount their wise instruction simply due to their age. God speaks in a variety of ways and I know He uses my children to reach my heart at times.

What about you?

9 Comments

  1. Bonita on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 4:10 pm

    Wow! I’m impressed! Such a smart girl and such great tips for the rest of us!



  2. Julie on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 5:25 pm

    Yep, my kids have taught me tons too.

    I found you from Becoming Me’s blog.

    It’s nice to meet you.

    Julie



  3. Becoming Me on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 7:56 pm

    What a beautiful post. And I have to say, I learned that hiccup trick several years ago and it is awesome!! Works every time. I am so glad you signed up for my mission tour and cannot wait to read your post about it.

    Again, I am glad you found me, because it enabled me to find you. Your site is certainly one to bookmark.



  4. mattpatt on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 11:09 pm

    Reeeeeeeeeeally enjoyed my visit to your blog!

    My daughters have always been my inspiration. Amazing what they have taught and continue to teach me!

    Blessings,

    mp



  5. tiggerdaisy on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 2:08 am

    I have the hiccup problem!!! It’s sometimes funny, but most times embarassing, so I’m going to try this remedy!! THANKS!

    Prayers and blessings,
    Rebecca



  6. Cindy on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 3:17 am

    I love this blog. I am adding it to my favorites. I too am a women’s ministries director. It is truly my passion. I am new at blogging so I have lots to learn so I will enjoy following your blog.



  7. Lelia Chealey on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 7:32 pm

    Yes, I too have learned from my 3 kids ages 7, 14 & 18.
    From practicing what I preach to having a servant’s heart. My son,the 14 yr old has changed dramatically this summer. In May he was a selfish teenager and he is now a giving teenager. He has been volunteering like crazy since June. So awesome to watch and he has inspired me as I’ve signed up for a volunteer opportunity at church this Saturday. If you knew me, you’d be taking me out for ice cream to celebrate! 🙂 I give, but I want to give and not grumble! One thing my son has been doing this summer.
    Great post & I can’t wait to get deodorant on a black shirt!!!



  8. Leebird on Friday, July 18, 2008 at 7:03 am

    Well, today, my boys taught me how to destroy a living room in ten minutes flat!

    If I weren’t so tired from “supervising the clean-up” I could probably think of some things the boys have taught me! 🙂

    I’ll get back to you!



  9. Leebird on Friday, July 18, 2008 at 9:06 pm

    Ok…I remember something.

    One morning, several months ago, God used my son Garrett to whisper a gentle rebuke to my heart. Garrett wasn’t listening to me about what I was telling him to do. In my frustration, I said, “I’m tired of you thinking that my instructions are mere suggestions!!” As I walked away to prepare for my day, I felt the Lord whisper to my heart, “Child, I understand your frustration…I’m tired of you hearing my instructions and not obeying them.”



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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