A new phase opens up to
us as Niamh starts secondary school. She is in a new territory: new school,
meeting new faces, and settling into a new set of routine.
It was just like
yesterday when our two children were in the same school together: traveled in the same car, shared the same
schedule and following similar routine. But things change – they grow up.
A little girl next door
shows up at our doorstep each school morning to collect Naomi. Her dad and my husband take turns in bringing them to and
from school.
With Niamh gone, Naomi
is faced with a change. A challenge emerge for her to be responsible on her own
and act as big sister to this little girl neighbor. Niamh used to lead them
both, now it’s her turn.
At the end of summer,
Niamh graduated from Sunday school. She had a great time, made good friends and
learned about Jesus. Memories of kids camps are her treasures.
I never experienced
Sunday school as a child. For my daughters to grow up in it’s environment is a
blessed experience. It is church family. Our gratitude extends not only to the
teachers but to every worker who committed to minister to every child.
I’m sure she’ll miss it
as she move on to the youth group, and Naomi will miss her too, both in small
school and Sunday school. But they’re ready for change. And there’s a lesson
from a young Miriam whom they can draw out inspiration from to better the
change.
Exodus 2:1-10. Reading this
passage illustrates three actions how a young Miriam responded to change in her
family circumstances with wisdom and courage.
Be
an observer. And,
his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him. Exodus 2:4.
Miriam watched carefully
to see what would happen to her baby brother Moses. In the same way, you can be
mindful of what you see around you. Take your time. Is there an opportunity to help? To learn? Or
to spread good cheer? Listen to what other people are saying and look at what
they’re doing, you may learn a thing or two from them.
Take
initiative with good intentions. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call you a
nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?”. And the Pharaoh’s
daughter said to her, “Go.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother.
And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages." So the woman took the child and nursed him. Exodus 2:7-9
If you’re the mother
of Moses, isn’t it heartbreaking to let
go of a vulnerable child? Yet, Miriam’s intentions were to save her brother’s
life, thereby, ease the pain and anxiety of her mother. Her initiative was taken with a positive response from the princess which also led to the mother's being paid wages to nurse her own son.
When you see an
opportunity to help, to comfort and encourage – go for it! Be ready for every
good work. (Titus 3:1). A little act
of kindness goes a long way, and you may be rewarded for it. Although, remuneration should not be your motive to act kindly but to help for God looks at the intentions of the heart.
Be
courageous.
Miriam, despite being a
slave and a child, took the courage to speak to the princess. Ask God to give you the
courage to speak and wisdom to say the right words. God will honor your request
and will meet your need and needs of others as you carry out your good
intentions.
These lessons are not
new, they’ve been there all along. But it’s easy to forget and now’s the time
to be reminded of again.
Maybe you have a daughter or son or someone you
know in a similar situation. Maybe you don’t know what to say. It’s a whole new
world out there, and it is grace to encourage them today.
Dear moms, it is our
heart’s desire for our children to make it in this great and exciting world so
let’s equip our children ready to face the challenges ahead, one step at a
time.
