Dances across my mind...

Dances across my mind…

by Tracy Sewell

Once in a blue moon we get a chance to glimpse into the window of our child’s heart and know what is really important to them.  And when we do, it can be astounding.  I recently peered through this window when I read my 9 year old son’s paper which he wrote at school that was shoved into a pile with all of his other work.  It would have been so easy to miss if I hadn’t taken the time to sort and actually read the things he brought home.  I found a gem among all the rubbish. 

At the end of his essay, he wrote “Most importantly in my bag I brought a photo of my sister.  I got her from my mom’s body.  I play with her at our house after school.  I feel good because she is always happy.  Sometimes as I drift off into sleep at night my baby sister dances across my mind, and I smile.”  I still can’t believe my son who is a boy of few words could clearly communicate his feelings through writing.  Now if I had asked him what he thinks about right before he goes to sleep, I would probably get the famous shoulder shrug or a grunt of “don’t know.”



As a mom we need to be aware of our children’s thoughts even if they can’t express it verbally.  You have tremendous influence over what goes into that little developing brain.  We must be sensitive to the nonverbal cues our children give us in everyday interaction in order to see their inner thoughts. 

Make a conscious effort to teach them  “… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  (Philippians 4:8).  When they know these biblical truths it will be easier later in life for them to “… take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) 

I encourage you to ponder the question “What dances across my mind?”  And once you’re aware of your own thoughts then you can help shape and mold what dances across your child’s mind.