Affected

So, seeing as how music was such a huge part of my life and now the only people that ever hear me sing anymore are my children, (and occasionaly people at church)I sing to them everynight. I usually let each kid pick one song and each of them have their favorites. Jason usually sings along with me, Jackson just listens with a big old smile on his face and Tyler shouts the song along with me. (I will have to get a video of Tyler doing this - it is pretty hilarious!) It is one of those times when all the whinning and back talk of the day is forgotten and I really love being a mom to 3 crazy boys. But, my story today is about Jason. A few nights ago while I was singing, Jason stopped me and said, "Mom, when you sing I get really affected." I was a little taken aback. I mean, seriously, I wasn't sure if he even knew what affected meant! So, I inquired further, "what do you mean?". He went on to tell me that after I would sing him a song, he would have it in his head the following day and that it would affect the way he acted and the decisions he made. When I sang a song about following Jesus and being kind to everyone, he would have a hard time ignoring or not liking someone at school. I was really touched and grateful to have a son that has realized the powerful influence music can have in our lives. Here are the lyrics to his two favorite songs at the moment...

1. I’m trying to be like Jesus;
I’m following in his ways.
I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

Chorus
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”

2. I’m trying to love my neighbor;
I’m learning to serve my friends.
I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.
I try to remember the lessons he taught.
Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying:

Chorus
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”

And....

Heavenly Father, are you really there?
And do you hear and answer every child’s prayer?
Some say that heaven is far away,
but I feel it close around me as I pray.

Heavenly Father, I remember now,
something that Jesus told disciples long ago:
“Suffer the children to come to me.”
Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee.

Pray he is there.
Speak, he is listening.
You are his child; His love now surrounds you.
He hears your prayer; He loves the children.
Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heaven.

If you were going to be "affected" by the words of a song - I don't think I could have picked two better songs for my 8 year old who is trying to figure things out in the confusion of the world today.

I don't know how I ended up with such great kids but I am thankful for them everyday!