If you haven't read, "If Only I Had a Green Nose" by Max Lucado to your children, I highly encourage you to do so! Cali and I sat down to read this book as part of her nightly homework. As I sat reading with Cali, we began to pause during the story and discuss the happenings. I won't spoil the book for you too much, but the moral of the story is to be who God created us to be. The story tells of a little boy who was completely content until he began to succumb to the pressure to change himself and paint his nose green...just because everyone else was doing it. Although God's name is never mentioned in the book, the parallels are obvious and the life lessons convicting. Cali and I launched into a great discussion on how easy it is to be influenced by those around us and the temptation that lurks when we are too caught up with other's opinions and ideas versus our Maker's. She asked two great questions, "What if I don't know what the right choice is?" and "What if I don't do what my friends think I should do and they get mad at me?" I was grateful for the honesty from the lips of my 7 year old. At this point, I could care less whether or not she actually finished her alloted reading time for the night. This was an opportunity to talk about life, influence, temptations, the world, comparison, and friends. Of course, our Heavenly Father does not merely allow me to remain idle and pretend this is merely a lesson for a 7 year old. He knows that this 35 year old could use a good reminder too! He brings to my attention my own struggles and pauses to remind me of all that I need to learn in this "children's book".
You see, I am just as culpable as the character in the book. My focus on my image, be it body, skin, hair or something else, seems much less important when I am listening and attentive to my Maker. For I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made down to every last detail. He knows the number of hairs on my head and where every strand of DNA has been placed. BUT - when I get caught up in the world or comparison, suddenly my body is not good enough, I need less wrinkles, more cosmetics, more exercise, scrutinize every part of my body, want cuter clothes and find myself talking about my appearance way too much. And truthfully, I am really criticizing God's workmanship.
My discussion with Cali left me reminded again of how my girls' struggles are not that different from my own. God is wise in showing me the overlap of my life and theirs. He humbles me and reminds me of the incredible responsibility I have in modeling what I teach. My advice to Cali? You have to allow God's voice to be the loudest and most present at all times. The world wants to distract us, take away our contentment, and appeal to our weaknesses. So I heed the same and once again thank God for getting my attention through my sweet girls who are growing up faster than I can believe.
