“So, how do you know what to do?”
Two years ago when we homeschooled both our toddlers, I asked this to a mum of three kids, who told me, “The Holy Spirit is my teacher, and I pray for guidance. For example, when I was teaching the letter C, He showed us a caterpillar that week. His world is our classroom.”
Struck by her intimacy with the Lord, I knew it was something I wanted- to be able to seek out my curriculum- not from ‘Popular’ bookstore, but God Himself.
Recently, when I awoke at 5am with a craft idea about Integrity, I knew it was the Holy Spirit prompting me- to teach my children what was impressed upon my heart all month. Inspired by an IG-follower who’s been using my posts to teach her kids devotionals, I felt led to share my lessons with my own kids too!
Printing out cube fold-outs, I asked them to stick identical drawings of themselves inside and outside the cube.
I wanted to show what it meant to be honest and consistent, in our characters externally and internally, in every circumstance.
But a more nuanced lesson emerged.
Drawing the same figures, even on identically-cut paper proved to be a feat.
Truly, to be whole, undivided and consistent- moment by moment, takes more than self-striving. It takes a continual practice leaning into His heart, to be someone of unwavering integrity.
That week, I reminded my firstborn to bring her postcards to school to invite some friends for a play date.
“Yes Mama, I packed them.” But when I checked her bag, they weren’t there.
She had lost them, and had lied to me.
When she returned home, she confessed, “I felt sad for lying, Mama. I’m sorry.”
“Remember the Integrity cube?“ I said. “To be honest to yourself on the inside, and honest to others on the outside, even when you’re scared of getting scolded for losing something- that is integrity.”
Her eyes shone. She hugged me.
Truly, when we yield our lives to God, He becomes our ultimate Teacher. ❤️
*This long weekend, I’d love to hear your fun object lessons too! 😉
**to the mum who uses our stories as devos, this is for you!