Fun with devotions

In order to include Papa during devotional time, we do a devotional after dinner. We are currently doing a 45 day study on Self Control for this year we are studying Christian Character traits.

We have had times when Papa cannot be here and oftentimes the 11 year old will step up as the "acting" man of the house. Tonight, I did not give him the chance.

Gum in our house is a rare treat as I do not like to see kids that chomp on gum like a cow chewing cud, so when I brought out a pack of gum they were all anxious to have some. I sat a piece in front of each child's dinner plate and instructed them not to eat it. Now, if you dont know, Juicy Fruit gum has a temptingly sweet smell. But they had been instructed that if they do touch it, their gum will be removed. They ate extraordinarily quickly tonite.

After dinner plates were cleared, I laid down the rules. When I knew everybody understood, they would be allowed to place the gum in their mouth....but they could not chew it until after the devotional.

I read through the lesson slowly as the kids mouths watered. One wanted to get up to put something in his mouth to stop him from chewing, this led to a side conversation of how this exhibits self control, so he must do it on his own, just as he must control his own behaviour.

There was a sigh of relief after the devotion was read, a prayer was said and they could chew the gum.

While they were enjoying the sweet flavor of the treat, I pointed out to that sin can sometimes seem sweet and delicious, like the smell of the gum, but it is not good for us, no "nutritional" value.

I know they enjoyed the lesson, as did I, I pray that they shall carry it with them.