I told the girls the story of Horatio Spafford two weeks ago at dinner. For those not familiar with his name you most certainly  have heard the song he penned in 1873, It is Well.

I told my girls about the history of a man who despite incredible pain and adversity (the loss of a son to scarlet fever, financial ruin and the loss of 4 daughters in an incredibly tragic accident at sea) choose to move his life forward with a deep faith in God.

As Horatio was sailing across the Atlantic to meet his wife, who had miraculously survived the accident that killed his daughters, he asked the ship’s captain  to stop at the exact point the boat his daughters and wife were riding on went down. It was in that spot that he wrote It Is Well, a staple of Christian hymnals for over a century.

Some would ague a story not suitable for dinner table conversation with a 9, 7 and 3 year old. But they asked me last night to repeat the tale so I know it made an impact.

Before bed we listened to this version (my absolute favorite) and Ellie fell asleep in my arms while I swayed.

I think one of the most difficult things in parenting is to realize we don’t have all the answers.

Equally as difficult is to teach our children that they too will not have all the answers in life.

So I strive to teach my children that we are not alone as we carry life’s burdens.

Friends are placed in our path to help us carry the weight.

Family will share in the load.

And their God is an ever present figure who is the ultimate bearer of the burdens.

The key is not just in the surrendering of the burdens but in allowing the peace in your heart to enter even when you fear the next step.

I don’t think they are too young to hear that lesson.

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
What ever my lot you have taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul