compass point

My daughters had an assignment in Science that was very cool. They were studying magnetism. As would be expected, the Earth's magnetic poles were discussed. Her book directed us to take the small bar magnet included in her curriculum, and place it on top of a small round piece of foam in a glass of water. Challenge accepted. Participators astonished. Listen, I have a compass, but there was something special about this organic simplicity. It was soul stirring. No matter how often we reset the magnet it doggedly returned to it's position. The girls spun it around and troubled the water, but still it found it's way and pointed to the magnetic north pole. It began a hunt to understand the force that pulled this magnet. As many things in nature do, it made my mind turn to God. What pulls me? When people look at my life, my family, do they wonder why are we different? Of that I am sure, but does my different point to God? I hope so. Years ago I had an older sister in church share with me about her neighbor. As a young mom, she had trouble managing her three boisterous boys. From the son who refused to eat anything but hamburgers forcing her to make two meals every night, to getting her boys to bed. Sons up to sons down, parenting was a challenge. One day as she was trying to get the boys out of the house and into the car, with much effort as they were protesting, her neighbor also left the house. Her children were neat, bantering respectfully and in a row... She said she had observed this family a lot as she had a front row seat to their lives. She often thought, "what is she doing different?" Today those words turned to action. In a moment of exasperation, she walked over and said, "How do you get your children to mind so well?" The woman's answer was simple and surprising. She told Barbara she was a disciple of Christ and followed God's word. His Word touched every area of her life, including how she raised her children. Her neighbor offered to study the Bible with her. Barbara accepted and this simple yet vital change transformed her life. Her husband also studied the Bible. Their family soon became an example for others. Her boys grew up to be strong in their faith and have awesome families of their own. One life can touch another powerfully and in very blessed and eternal ways, if that life is filled with the Holy Spirit, alive with Christ and under the grace, faithful watch and love of our awesome Father. Barbara went on to mentor me as I raised my son. Her loving and on point advice, much of it parenting, was such a gift in our family. Our son Robert applies quite a bit of her advice to raising his son and so that Godly influence goes on. So, what does your life point to? Questions, comments and insight welcome. :) ~ Dagney


1 Timothy 4:16
 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.