Cast All Your Cares Upon Him

"As much as we think we are teaching and guiding our children they are teaching and guiding us right back. They remind us to take time away from our never ending "To Do" lists to cuddle together and read a book or go outdoors and enjoy a beautiful day by blowing bubbles or playing ball. Sometimes they let us know in a simple way we're doing a good job and remind us what is really important.

Travis sent us a letter that he wrote at school in 3rd grade. They were practicing letter writing and each child took a stamped envelope to school as part of the assignment. His letter arrived at our home on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 and said,

"Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for providing food.
Thank you for shelter.
Thank you for clothing me.
Thank you for loving me.
I'm so glad to be your son.
Love,
Travis"

Sunday, February 8, 2009 after church my husband and I were trying to visit and look at something on the computer just the two of us. It wasn't even noon yet but both boys and especially Travis were famished and thought they wouldn't survive another second if they didn't eat right now. I said, "Have you ever not been fed? Some children are hungry but there is no food for them to eat." It made an effect for maybe 5 minutes and then he was back at it, and then Andrew chimed in from the top of the stairs. I thought he'd written the letter AFTER this exchange but that wasn't the case when I looked closer. He'd written it on February 4, 2009. Our children hear us even when it doesn't show or seem to register at the time.

Today in the Sowers Class, Mr. Good reminded us that Food, Shelter and Clothing were our physical needs to be met AFTER giving God and the church the 10% tithe that is commanded in scripture. Everything given after that first 10% is a true offering."
-JMB