How's Your Babysitting Going?

The Instagram account, “Live from Snack Time,” is simply a collection of things kids say. Here are a few:

“Don’t wipe my tears away. I want to feel them on my face.” Henry, two years old

“Sometimes when my feelings are big, I like to sing them.” Gideon, seven years old

“I’ll just take a nap. That’s how you solve that.” Keira, seven years old

“I’m just too sad for pants.” Jamison, two years old

“Sometimes I fall down on purpose so that I can take a break.” Anonymous six-year-old

“I’m hugging you with my mind.” Anonymous eight-year-old

“I like spending time with you. It’s just better when there’s pancakes.” Harlow, eight years old

“I have a lot to say, maybe you should get some popcorn.” Anonymous six-year-old

“I don’t care and I’m not getting any more cares today.” Anonymous seven-year-old

“I did not mean to do that face out loud.” Anonymous nine-year-old

“My brain doesn’t feel like thinking today.” Finn, four years old

“But how am I supposed to know if I’m bored or hungry? They feel the same!” Lex, five years old

And then this one:

“Growing up just means you babysit yourself.” Savi Rao, six years old
 

If that’s true, some of us need to fire the babysitter! How have you been doing at babysitting yourself recently?

Your use of time. The places you go on the internet. The way you speak to others. Your diet and exercise. Your bedtime prayers. Babysitters make sure kids do what they’re supposed to in all these areas. Growing up just means you babysit yourself.

Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” What a vivid image. A city (or a nation) with porous walls is vulnerable to the enemy. It’s the same with your soul. Take some time today to do a quick audit of where your self-control has holes in it and do a little repair work.

--Tom
 

Sign up here to receive Tom Goodman’s weekly devotional in your email inbox. Tom serves as pastor at Hillcrest Church in Austin, Texas. His sermons are available on YouTube and the HillcrestToGo Podcast and you can find him on Facebook and Twitter.