Spiritual Disciplines in the Toddler Years

Spiritual Disciplines in the Toddler Years

by Melody Gerrelts

In the last 5 years, my husband and I have been privileged to have 8 grandchildren added to our family!  And as we watch our adult children adjust to their new parenting roles, I am reminded of the joys and the struggles of caring for young children. It isn’t easy and I am so thankful God has given us his Word that gives wisdom and encouragement to press on in the calling that God has given us to raise our children.   I am also thankful that, as believers, we have the rich privilege of being able to prayto our Heavenly Father and call on him for the help we so desperately need. 

As you know, studying God’s Word and praying are spiritual disciplines that help us grow in our faith that we “may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of Lord.” Col. 1:9-10

Having said this, we know full well that consistent time in the word and prayer doesn’t always happen, particularly parenting in the early childhood years.  The same spiritual disciplines that we desire to teach our children to point them to Jesus, we find ourselves struggling to do amid the daily tasks of life with children.

I recall a particular season of weariness with little ones.  In a phone conversation with my dad, I expressed my discouragement and guilt over the lack of time reading God’s Word or praying.  He responded by reminding me of God’s promises of his Grace and mercy.  These promises were a soothing balm to my soul and gave me courage to press on.  Lamentations 3:21-23 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

The struggle is still very real when the days seem beyond full.  How do we make time to nurture our souls? 

Sometimes it comes in bits and pieces. 

Here are a few suggestions:

As we help our children learn verses for Sunday School or Awana, we can memorize and meditate on those same verses. Or write out a particular verse and put it on your mirror to meditate on when you are getting ready for the day.  

With today’s smart phones, listening to an audio version of scripture while driving children to school or soccer practice is a great use of time.

When a lengthy time for prayer is not an option, prayer throughout the day can be.  I had a friend who prayed for each family member when she was folding their clothes!  What a simple and yet profound way to commune with God, to praise Him for family and pray for His continued work in their lives.  

As parents we are to ‘love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls and might and we are to teach his truths to our children, talking of them in our houses, when we walk by the way, when we lie down, and when we rise’ (to paraphrase Deut. 6:5-7). So,

  • In the morning, thank our Almighty God for giving us our very breath, praise him for new mercies and a new day to give glory to Him.
  • At mealtime, give thanks to God who provides our food.
  • When doing laundry, thank God for his provision of clothing to wear.
  • When cleaning up the kitchen, praise God for the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood to take away our sin.
  • While on a stroller or bike ride with your child(ren), point out God’s creation, whether it is a tree, pretty flowers, a puppy, or a breathtaking sunset, and praise God for his mighty works. 
  • Sing scripture to your children and sing it to yourself!  Psalm 56:3 is a verse I would sing to my children when they were young, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you, in God, whose word I praise.” I have even recently sung this scripture to a couple of my grandchildren.
  • At bedtime, thank the Lord for the energy that He has given to keep up with the kids and be grateful for time to finally have a moment of quiet to ‘be still and know that He is God’.

In our own strength we cannot do all that seems required of us.  We will not and cannot be perfect parents.  I’ve failed many times and you will also.  However, take heart parents!  

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps. 73:26

 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” Ps. 27:14

May we keep looking to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Jesus for the wisdom that he graciously gives to equip us to love, nurture and point our children to Jesus.