Today, try to always be a good example. You never know which little ones are watching your every move.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada. When I was growing up, I always knew my daddy suffered from very bad arthritis. Rarely would I see him grimace, but if he did, he would gather himself and continue with his trademark smile. As a proud daughter, I loved his attitude. After I broke my neck, my father’s example inspired me to do the same. Grimace at the hardship, Joni, but then gather yourself and trust God. I guess it was my way of imitating. Friend, if you are a parent, you can have a huge impact on the way your children handle suffering – and the key? Handle the ups and downs in your life, the trials and disappointments with grace, humility, and trust in God. It’s what 1 Corinthians 11 means when it says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” It’s no secret that kids imitate their parents. So, bear up well under your trials. Little eyes are watching and imitating.
© Joni and Friends