When a kid surprises you

My nine year old son has been causing me a lot of worry and frustration this winter. He is negative, moody, emotional, and sensitive. He calls school "jail" and hates to have babysitters at home. Now this is also my oldest child, so I know that I tend to over react to everything that happens with him. Sometimes I see the same behaviors in my other kids and it doesn't concern me nearly as much!

Last night at bedtime we were doing devotions using a Holy Week devotional we had gotten at church. We were in the girls bedroom and my 7 year old (a spiritual champion already) was using her Bible. Justin surprised me by running to his room, grabbing his Bible and finding the passage. He said, "Emily, you read the first five verses and I'll read the last five." He followed along and jumped right in when it was his turn.

What's up with that? My sullen grumpy kid, who goofs off through Sunday School and refuses to go to midweek clubs, is choosing to participate and take leadership in family devotions? "There's hope," I whispered to my husband!

It's spring break this week. This morning we are watching some extra kids. Justin has gone out of his way to be sweet, helpful and kind to the visiting three year old. He helped her with the craft project we were working on. He helped her pick a Princess movie and put it in the dvd player. He's always been gentle and good with little ones, but to see it in action with someone outside of our family made me say, "There's hope!"

How many times do we feel like giving up on a kid in our ministry or in our family? A kid who is so tough to get through to, a kid who doesn't respond to anything we try? The lesson for me today is, "Keep trying. There's hope! God isn't done with this kid yet!"

Oh no, gotta go! He just hit his sister in the head...