My three-year-old grandson loves to FaceTime. Our conversations aren’t deep just yet, but are just as meaningful to both of us. My daughter helped Benaiah call me recently while I was attending a writer’s conference. Fortunately, the phone call came during a short break. I hate missing phone calls from him, and it’s hard for him to understand why Grandmommy doesn’t answer his every phone call. 

My brilliant and observant grandson didn’t recognize the building behind me and asked, “What are you doing, Grandmommy?” 

I couldn’t think how to explain a writers conference to him. 

“Grandmommy’s at a meeting, Benaiah. Is it almost bath time?”

He ignored my question and asked again, “What are you doing, Grandmommy?” Which to me meant, “I don’t understand your answer – please elaborate.” 

“Grandmommy is at a meeting to talk about books. Remember the book Grandmommy wrote about Jesus that Mommy reads to you at bedtime? Grandmommy is here to talk to people about books like that one.”

Satisfied with that explanation, he proceeded to show me his bath toys, one by one, as he splashed them into the tub. 

When Benaiah asked to call Grandmommy again the next night, I didn’t pick up. My daughter Jenifer said to him, “Grandmommy must be busy with her meeting. We’ll try her again another time.”

My daughter told me later that his response came quickly, “Grandmommy is telling people about Jesus. She’s talking about books.”

I love that my three-year-old grandson associates my writing career with talking about Jesus, even though much of my writing is for the general market, also. 

His comment made me ponder – what about other parts of my life? Does the rest of my life reflect Jesus? I certainly hope it does, because I want all the little ones (and big ones, too) to see Jesus in me every day. 

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I thought about friends and family and others I know who mirror the qualities of Jesus. Here are some of the characteristics I see in them that enable me to see Jesus each time I’m around them. I hope to be intentional with these suggestions so that my grandson and other little eyes “catch” me “talking about Jesus” regularly. Won’t you join me in adding or enhancing these qualities in your own life? 

And, if you have other suggestions to add to the list, will you comment below? 

• Radiate Joy

Let’s face it – not every moment of every day is full of joy. Life is just challenging some days. But with Jesus in our hearts, we don’t have to manufacture our own joy. John 15:10-11 tells us that when we obey his commandments and aide in His love, His joy resides in us. The word says our joy will overflow! 

When we exude joy, Jesus’ joy, even during difficult situations or when facing the trials of this world, Christ shines through us. We radiate joy – His joy – and those around us can’t help but see Jesus in our life. 

We radiate joy – His joy – and those around us can’t help but see Jesus in our life. @JLavenderWrites #parents #parenthood

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• Love Others

The Bible reminds us to love others in a number of verses. John 15:12 implores us to love others as Jesus’ loves others. But the Bible also points out that we should love and pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). When we demonstrate our love to family, friends, acquaintances, strangers, those in need, and even the unlovable, we give our kids and grandkids a glimpse of Jesus’ love. We show them our obedience to His Word to love others, but we also let them see just how big God loves them, too.

• Spread Kindness

Little ones watch and listen to adults, whether we realize that in every moment or not. Letting our kids see us care for those in need by volunteering our time for a cause or donating money for their benefit exhibits our kindness in a big way. Those acts make a great impression on our kiddos. But, choosing to speak kindly to the rude sales clerk in the grocery store makes a marked impression on our children, too. 

• Talk About Jesus 

I love the words in Deuteronomy 6:7 that talks about how often we should talk with our kids about God’s commands: “…when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” I like to think that God intends for us to talk about Jesus in those situations, too. When we talk that often about Jesus – not just when we’re saying prayers or going to church or reading the Bible or sharing a devotion – but when we talk about Him matter-of-factly off and on throughout the day, it becomes a natural part of conversations and thought processes and keeps Jesus in the forefront of our minds. 

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I’m glad my grandson assumes I’m “talking about Jesus” when I’m in a meeting. I hope he’ll always see Jesus in my actions and words and writing.

How will your kids see Jesus in you today? This week? During the holidays? Share your ideas below in the comments.