Box O’ Donuts
Pouring my heart out to God this morning, I was feeling empty. Sometimes as a parent, I look back and think about the things I didn’t get right, ways in which I failed, or worries I have about my now-grown children. Suddenly, the lyrics to a song kept replaying in my head. I couldn’t stop thinking about it until I looked them up on Spotify. I found the song. That led me down the most encouraging rabbit hole. Don Moen wrote many songs that were then incorporated into Donut Man productions. If you don’t know The Donut Man, let me tell you about my Box O’ Donuts.
The Donut Man
When I was a young mom, a woman from my church sent me a box of VHS tapes. Inside were these corny-looking videos by The Donut Man. I had never heard of him. He wore colorful overalls with a matching shirt and sang with kids ranging from about 3 -10 years old. There was a stage performance and a number of mini-productions and skits. My kids were small, so I popped on the stage performance video for them. Like most kids’ music for small kids, it was kinda corny. But my kids were listening, and just as I was shaking my head my very cool husband burst out in song with motions and everything about how “Jesus washes me with super soap!” I roared laughing.
Sold!
That was it. I was sold. That was the very last thing I expected. If you knew my husband, you wouldn’t expect it either. But he was happy. He sang along to every word – “scrubbing” his arms! There were quite a few videos that the kids watched. Each video had simple biblical songs and great messages. Eventually, my children grew out of The Donut Man and moved on to Veggie Tales and other things. But, in that moment of pouring out to God, He reminded me of this. I’m currently listening to the songs as I write this post, I don’t think I ever appreciated the lyrics as much as I do now. I had forgotten about them, but they are embedded in my mind and I know they are also rattling around in my kids’ minds too.
Train Up A Child
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Prov 22:6) Yes, I’ve failed in some ways as a parent and succeeded in others. Despite my desire for perfection, I didn’t measure up. But, thankfully, I got some things right. One of those was teaching my children about God and the saving grace of Jesus. I can not believe how encouraged I feel right now simply listening to the messages of these children’s songs. I am so thankful to the people in my life and my children’s lives who made lasting impacts with their faith. Ms. Edy who sent the box of Donut Man tapes; my mom, who put bible verses to melodies to sing with the children and rewarded them with candy every time they memorized one; the VBS, MOPS, Sunday school, and Wednesday night kids’ teachers who taught them in the word.
The Great Reminder
The Bible tells us one of the main duties of the Holy Spirit is to remind us of His word. The Holy Spirit is the Great Reminder. That means that a song I haven’t heard in 15 years can suddenly pop into my head. A verse I learned as a child can fill my mind in a moment of need. The same is true for my children. The Great Reminder brings learned scripture to our minds in times of trouble or confusion. The Great Comforter is with us in times of need and the Great Redeemer saves us. How amazing that God doesn’t need our perfection to act, to move, or to work. In fact, he doesn’t expect our perfection – he already has a plan for our shortfalls. God works through ALL circumstances for our good. Be blessed today and remember God’s got you.