Through this time of quarantine, one goal while I’m not in a sprint from place to place is to take time every day to work out. I am attempting to stay mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally sharp during this odd season. I enjoy using an app called Zwift that allows me to ride my bike on a stand in my garage while competing against or riding with riders from all over the world on my computer screen. The whole time I’m riding up and down hills and sprinting for the finish line, I tend to forget that I’m exercising and feel like I’m playing a video game, adding mileage and trying to level up. These app developers have figured out a way to tap the part of my brain that spent hours winning levels of Super Mario 3 years ago to help me to sweat off some of my dad bod by tricking it into winning prizes and achievements. They have tapped into the heart of people who like to compete or achieve and offered a way for them to accomplish a goal (working out) in a fun and playful way.
This morning, my kids were playing another game, and I wasn’t about to stop this one. They were trying to out-do each other in kindness. After Brooks made Nina’s bed, Nina cleaned up his room. I’m not sure what started this game, but this sure beat some of the picking that has happened as siblings being stuck in the same house for six weeks would be inevitable. An attitude that we as parents hope becomes a regular practice, for this morning became a game of kindness.
Scripture gives many attitudes we should strive for, Ephesians says “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Jesus lifted up the golden rule in Matthew 7 to “do to others what you would have them do to you…” I must admit that being kind, compassionate, or forgiving to others seem like no brainers, but just stated outright can seem as torturous or unappealing as telling someone that they need to work out. Even though I have been accused of being like Chris Traeger from Parks and Recreation, I gravitate to workouts that touch that place in my heart that draw me outside or give me a chance for competition. In the same way, how are our hearts bent when it comes to godly attitudes? What is it that draws us toward actions and attitudes that the Bible describes?
Naturally, we don't act kindly or selflessly on our own. We might be seeing this in our kids these days, cooped up, bored, stressed, they become angry, selfish, or mean. But God has called humans, adults and kids alike, to give their hearts to him. As that transformation happens, we find joy and life from a heart that practices kindness, compassion, forgiveness, selflessness, and love. Understanding the heart helps us to understand motivation, and guide actions and attitudes. What areas of your heart has God been working on recently? How can you speak to your kids hearts instead of demanding actions or attitudes? What unique things speak to the heart of your family members? What kind of game or activity might help your kids or whole family welcome God’s work in their hearts?
No comments:
Post a Comment