~ Ann Voskamp, Holy Experience ~
As I was reading the quote for this week’s “In Other Words” I was reminded of the time I spent with Daniel in confirmation class. Yes, you read right. I spent 2 years in confirmation with our son. It is policy at my home congregation that parents attend the classes with their children. The thinking behind this policy is that you, as parents, are just as much involved with the spiritual growth as the church is. I like that idea. No, let me correct — I love the idea.
Not only did I spent the most precious years with our son, but it also helped us, as a family, to get through the rough teen-years (13-15). We studied Scripture together, worked on home and group projects. But Daniel wasn’t the only one who grew during this process. I did as well. Until that point, I read my Bible only in the German language. But since I had to discuss Scripture with Daniel during our homework assignments, I had to purchase my first English language Bible. It was quite a shock for me to read that the first five books of the Old Testament are not the Books of Moses like in the German Bible, but Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The most amazing part though was that I finally started to understand the Epistle lessons more and more. Maybe my Luther Bible was just too heavy for me :wink:…
Thinking back warms my heart. We had a lot of fun discovering God’s promise together as a family. I think we should never miss the opportunity to share our faith with our children. You never know, you might learn something during the process. I know I did.
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” ~ Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (ESV)
Please don’t forget! Our hostess this week is Loni at “Finding Joy in the Morning“. I hope to meet you there…And for you Tackle Tuesdayers — please be so kind and scroll down :smile:…
I think that is awesome to have the parents do the classes with the child. What better way to re-inforce what is being learned and to make it a part of home. I know I learn as much explaining God to my 4 year old as I do any other way.
This is an amazing story! (You drew me right in.) :~) Your son is so blessed to have had you involved in his spiritual training. (My son is a doll, and very personable, but he’d much rather be with his Dad.) I’ve had many more opportunities to share with my daughter. It’s funny, because now my son reads my blog regularly. My daughter says she doesn’t need to because she’s heard it all! (I know she reads it from time to time too, though.)
I can’t imagine reading the Bible in a foreign language… you are such an inspiration. You obviously have a gift for languages. Well done!
What sweet memories. And nothing can bring your closer to your child then studying Gods word. Now see I never knew that the Bible was not in the same order in different languages. Learn something new everyday.
blessings.
I like that class idea as well! That is a wonderful way to be involved with support!
I love that idea very much. What a great way to teach God’s ways to the next generation. Have a blessed day.
My son will soon begin classes for his first communion, I plan on attending with him. If that is not allowed, then I guess I’ll just have to sign up to be a “helper”! By teaching him, I learn so much about myself and my role as a mother and a teacher! Beautiful post. Your son is blessed to have you!
Sometimes it is indeed the simpleness of something like a child’s class that encourages us more, and makes us grow. Thanks for sharing this!
I love that idea too! And I loved your story….it was a blessing. =) You do such a great job of writing in English now, it’s hard to think of how difficult it must have been for you to change so much about your life to live here. God blessed it though, didn’t He?
Oh, the glitch on my blog is fixed…I think..anyway it’s working now.
Christie
Beautiful memories to treasure and so encouraging too! 🙂
What an excellent way to grow spiritually together! Thanks for sharing this blessing with us today.
What a great way to share time together! Thanks for keepimg me healthy by commenting on my blog!