Brisk, rainy days have slowly invaded our days as we walk about Oxford. Delight to each find an appropriate hat at the charity shops to bring warmth and allay the rain a bit gave us a heart-smile and giggle. We just had to share it with you. Joy’s is more glamorous and mine is Jessica Fletcher-is, but now we are both warmer.
As we walked together on our favorite and familiar neighborhood streets in search of an open coffee shop, we chatted energetically to be sure we got everything in before she had to train back to St. Andrews. I think discussion and conversation is what most shaped the mental muscles of our 4 children. Today, when we gather, food and discussion are pretty much at the center of our friendship. And I have come to realize it is why we are best friends. Each of us feels that we have kindred spirits who care about truth, beauty, inspiration, great thinkers, skillful writers and teachers and we find soul-rich community together.
What have you been reading? Have you heard the new album by this artist? Did you see the news about….? Do you have any ideas of what I should write about this? What do you think about…….? I’ve been pondering a new biblical idea from the church fathers, …..! I just finished the most wonderful novel, have you read it?
It was these kinds of questions that flowed around our dinner table when our kids surrounded us at our table, in the car, in a hotel, on a trip, cozy at home. Mentoring through relationship brings such life and goodness. Awaking Wonder comes alive during such times. They imagine, travel the corridors of our own thoughts, engage with their own ideas and a brilliant mind is born. We wanted our 4 to think logically, to engage in truth for themselves, to cover a variety of cultural and moral topics in our home, at our table, to exercise their intellectual muscle before they were confronted by all the answers the world, media, peers, television and movies when they left our home.
If you want to equip your children to stand strong for truth, for Christ and for family values that includes a high picture of morality, marriage, sex, the foundations of scripture, world view, then you must gently engage over the years, little by little, day by day. It is best for children to hear about controversial subjects from their parents than on the internet.
Convictions are not naturally a result of just being alive in a home, they must be discussed, cultivated, engaged in and embraced. It is why I am so excited to share my book with you if I can help you think through some of the ways you can help shape the values and souls of your children through table talk.
Joy and I did a podcast on this on her podcast: Speakingwithjoy.com—look for the first one of the season called Good Conversation with my mom. But also, enjoy the podcast we recorded that I am sharing here today.
I have lots of thoughts about ways I will be sharing with you in the months ahead and I will have brand new podcasts you have never heard before. My desire is to inspire, befriend, encourage, comfort and share new ideas with all of you, my wonderful friends. You have been so often on my heart. Join me and let me know what is on your heart!
