The Tonka, Me and a Boy of Three

I sometimes find myself trying to find a serene tranquil moment so that I can pray. Afterall, the Bible tells me to, 'Be still and know that He is God'. Then I remember that I live with four boys aged seven, five, three and 18months. And these boys are just not the serene types. I'm pretty sure they came out of the womb, playing percussion, and living life to the fullest. Neither am I married to a serene type. The husband isn't known for his peace and calm. If anything, he hypes them up. He's one of those 'rough and tumble' types. He plays dodgeball at them, which they seem to thrive on. He encourages them to act out "The Walls of Jericho" and have dance battles with him. We once had to bring in a rule of 'no roaring at people', because it just got too much. We also had to stop watching the classic, 'Shark Boy, Lava Girl', because one of those not-so-serene sons of mine, was biting ankles!

Because life is a bit like that, I live with the daily challenge of Urgent vs Important. When the baby goes down for his battery recharging nap and his much needed break from the 3 year old's constant fun, I wonder what I should do? Should I empty the dishwasher so it's ready for the next load of dishes? Should I hoover the carpet, so it is ready for the next set of crumbs?Should I play with the 3 year old so he's less ready for his brother to wake up? Should I tidy the toys so they are ready to be played with again? Should I pray so that I am ready for the next part of the day?

Today I decided to walk up and down the kitchen and pray for twenty minutes. It seemed like an active way to be still.  As I paced the kitchen praying out loud, I was a little annoyed to soon be followed by the noise of a Tonka truck and an ambulance. I just wanted peace and quiet so that I could press into God's presence. With each step I took, I was followed by smaller steps and I realized that actually it was a special moment. Yes there was the noise from the Tonka and the Nee Naw from the engine, but there was also a son, following his mum, and both of us were in God's presence. He was listening to my prayers, and as I fell silent for couple of paces, a little voice prayed his own little prayer. A reminder again to demonstrate to my children, that my relationship with Jesus is just real in the every day moments of life and the importance of the following verse:

       "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds...

        Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home

           and when you walk along the road, (or the kitchen)

           when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 11v18-19