Your lips brim praises like fountains. You bless God every time you take a breath; your arms wave like banners of praise. Psalm 63:3-4 MSG

Each time I read this scripture, I can't help but picture my youngest daughter, KariAnna. It is a rare moment that she is not singing or dancing over something. She can sing a song about paperclips, tennis shoes and even an unassuming rock from my garden. And when the song revs up, then the dancing begins. Spinning, twirling, leaping – New York City Ballet has nothing on this girl!

As cute as this is, there truly is no greater joy I have in life, than seeing her let loose in free praise of God. She sings about His love for her in a way that cuts to the core of my soul. How is it possible for her to have such a beautiful grasp on forgiveness and grace? I have to admit; it baffles me that a 6 year old can know God in such a way. But the fact is, she loves Him and I'd be smart not to hinder her assent to His throne room.

Matthew 19:13-15 (NLT) is a story of some parents who also wanted their children to love Jesus:

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.

I desire to have faith like these parents every day. They brought their children to Jesus for Him to lay hands on them. They wanted Him to "touch" their lives, even in the midst of resistance. (In week 37, I'll talk more about this resistance.) Jesus, however, responded to the desire of their hearts and did exactly what they wanted. Even better though, He responded to the desire of His own heart! Jesus loved these children, and He loves our kids too!

As parents, it is our responsibility to give our children access and opportunity to His love and allow them to be touched by Him. With all the other potential influences out there, we have to make God's presence a priority in our lives. We need to be worshipping in our homes, in our churches, in our cars, at the grocery store – everywhere.

If a 6 year old can find a way to give thanks for a paperclip and a rock; first of all, I need to let her give thanks without mockery or ridicule, then I can follow her example with singing and dancing!

Lord, thank you for loving me and my children. Help my lips to brim with praises for every part of my life. Give me an awe and amazement of your creation. Open my heart to every opportunity to bring my life and theirs to Your hand of blessing.