The audio for this devotional is not available for now, but you can have your device read it to you.
Reading options
Verse:“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” —Deuteronomy 4:9, NLT
Today I realized just how blessed I am for being an instant mommy, a Titang Ina.* One of my greatest desires is to share and teach my nephews, especially Prince, who stays with me, about important life lessons and values. I want to teach them about the love of God. I want to show them the way to Jesus’ feet. Nevertheless, I realize that I am often the one who has something to learn, including some hard but golden lessons from an eight-year-old nephew. One time he said, “Mommy, I have a question.” “What is it?” I said.
He continued, “Why is it that when I take a bath first, I leave more water in the pail for you, but when you take a bath first, you leave only a small amount for me?” Dumbfounded, I said, “Oh, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to do it. Don’t worry; tomorrow I will leave enough water for you.” One afternoon I arrived to pick him up after school and saw him playing basketball with his friends. As we left, Manong Guard, the security guard, said, “Are you not going to get your ball?” At first my nephew was hesitant to get it because his friends were playing. I urged him to keep the ball lest it get lost or damaged by the other kids.
He did so that afternoon but not the next day.
I learned he wanted to leave the ball at school so the other kids could play even without him. It seemed he did not mind others using his ball.
This morning we rode a van to Tamban, our hometown, for the long weekend. I learned that our reserved seats were not together. I felt apprehensive about being separated for an hour-and-a-half ride on public transport. I also thought the space assigned to him was too tight to sit in. As I commented anxiously he calmly said, “It’s OK, Mommy. I can fit and sit comfortably.” These are just a few examples of when I have been humbled and honored to learn from a child. They remind me of the golden rule. May we learn lessons in giving and sharing and being patient. Like the Israel of old, may we guard our hearts, words, and ways lest we become detrimental to the spiritual journey of the young people we care for.
Ebonie Barde Base
* Titang Ina is a colloquial Filipino term for aunts who serve as mothers or guardians to their nephews or nieces.