3 End of The Day Questions
What if we built some self-reflection skills into our children at an early age? Or for that matter, built them into our own adult selves?
I just heard these great questions from a mom I respect; she was speaking to a room full of mothers seeking to raise their children with Biblical truths. She offered these questions to ask our kids at the end of the day for self-reflection. For pride in a job well done. For embracing grace.
When was I brave today?
When was I kind today?
When did I fail today?
I have been asking my 5 and 9 year old these lately at the end of the day (my 2 year old just repeats them and climbs on the bunk-bed ladder and tries jumping stunts and tricks. It's a very calm bedtime routine, obviously.)
Some days their answers are beautiful (I was kind when I shared the crown I wanted to wear with Ava at school because she wanted it) and sometimes they are ridiculous (I was brave when I farted). You win some... and you win some. We laugh and giggle and try to get to bed after all the silly fourth grade humor.
But what I did not expect was my children turning it around on me: "What about you momma? When were you brave and kind and when did you fail?"
Yeeesh. It's hard to self-reflect and then share with these young hearts and moldable eyes staring into your soul. But I participate with them. And I tell them I failed when I got mad at their father and I how I am Oh So Thankful for the grace of God that covers our failures and our sins and embraces us with open arms. And then I go and ask for forgiveness from their Daddy. Restoration has taken place as a family effort. Our children are co-ministers and co-priests.
This practice has taught us to be mindful.
To be silly.
To be proud of our good choices.
To know we are strong and brave and capable.
To admit our faults.
To embrace grace and to know a love that covers a multitude of wrongs.
Let's build self-reflection into our homes and restoration into our hearts.
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”