Good Morning, God!

August 12th, 2022

Today's blog is very pertinent for parents, especially those who still have children in the home. Join us as Tish Kerby once again blesses us with her unique perspective as the mother of school-age children.

“Good morning, God. This is Your day.
I am Your child; show me Your way.”

This simple song is what we learned 6 years ago in a Bible study and one we still sing to start our morning off well. Usually, I am still lying in bed with 2 kids laying on me and trying to convince myself it is time to get up as we sing.

I need this reminder as much as they do. Good morning, God—this is Your day. I have it planned full of meetings, work, house chores, sports, school activities, and my to-do list. But this is Your day… You created it and gave it to me. So, if I get an unexpected phone call or visit, if—I mean when—the kids fight and need me to stop what I am doing to “character train,” if something breaks or goes differently, please help me remember this is Your day.

**Are we taking time as parents to see our children throughout our day? They see us.**

Lamentations 3:22-24

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

As a parent and homeschool mom, I’ve learned two very important lessons from our little song that, when I intentionally and frequently remind myself of them as soon as I awake each day, serve to get my mind to a place that honors my Lord.

I Am Your Child

I need my Father’s help. I need to remember whose I am (John 1:12; Romans 8:14; 2 Corinthians 6:18), especially when someone tells me I look awful or that I am not good enough because I failed again. Help me remember that You love me, and that they are Your children, too—the precious kids I spend all day with. In fact, they are ultimately Yours. Those people I see and work with (and that person who was rude or cut me off)—they are also created in Your image. Help me love them well.

Show Me Your Way

Give me eyes that are quick to see Your way. Remind me of Isaiah’s words: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55: 8 NKJV). When I am consumed with selfishness and a desire to put my agenda ahead of Yours, help me to slow down and consider Your Word. Help me to do things Your way.

And so my feet hit the floor. Another day has begun.

This chance to choose God is one echoed throughout Scripture.

“Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

“But seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

A Parental Challenge

But is it echoed in my day? Do I make sure that as we (my children and I) go through our day, I am putting God first?

I love the practical reminder for me as a mom in Deuteronomy 6 (NKJV):

⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.⁶ And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Are we taking time as parents to see our children throughout our day? They see us. Do we repeat God’s truths to their ears? Do we ask those good questions that probe their heart? (Deuteronomy 6:7)

Do we remind ourselves and our children of God’s Word by our choices and activities?

Maybe it’s a screen backdrop on our phone or a note on our hand.
Maybe it’s an index card on the bathroom mirror they can read as they wash their hands.
Maybe it is Christian music on the drive and a talk about the lyrics.

Ask yourself this: Do I constantly have God on my mind as I work? (Deuteronomy 6:8)

Do we have God’s truth reflected in our homes? As I sit on the couch writing this blog, I can see two things:

A verse: “Be still and know that I am God” . . . a reminder for me to give my worries over to Him.
A song: “It Is Well with my Soul” on a plaque … a reminder of the lyrics from the hymn that encourages me to count my blessings and cultivate gratitude daily.

How would you truthfully respond if asked the following question?

Am I unashamed to have my house stand as God’s embassy? (Deuteronomy 6:9)

So, my challenge to you today is this: Start each new day by putting God first. You will be amazed by how He makes Mondays less mundane, how much easier your hump day will be, and how you can truly thank God for every Friday.

Psalm 68:19 NKJV

Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation! Selah

AUTHOR BIO:
Tish Kerby is married to Carl Kerby Jr. They live in a parsonage in Union, KY, where they serve in youth ministry and other church activities. Tish homeschools their 3 children, tutors other children, and loves working on projects with Reasons for Hope. She especially loves listening to "Grandpa" share about his trips over family dinners.

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