Know it by heart

Tonight Avery was singing Away in a Manger during bath- nothing unusual for her to be singing... she either does that or talks ALL.THE.TIME. Most likely this is the cause for Luke's lack of talking- he can't get a word in. I digress...

She was able to sing all 3 verses that I had sung to the kids this Christmas season. I hadn't noticed she had the 3rd verse memorized until today, so I said, "Wow, Avery. You have the entire song memorized!". Not knowing what memorized means, she asked, "What do you mean, memorized?". I responded, "You know the words by heart". Again, she was puzzled. "What does 'know it by heart' mean, Mom?". So I went on trying to explain what it meant. I'm not really sure what I said- something like "well, you know all the words without having to ask me... your brain just knows them". Which then led to the discussion of "well why do you say 'know it by heart' when you really mean 'know it by brain'"...

I brushed it off not thinking anything of it after our conversation ended. Then she hit me with it again right before she went to sleep. She is a thinker and I always forget that she NEVER forgets anything- or at least I feel that way. Avery says, "I think I get it mom. Know it by heart is when you really know something. I mean you won't forget it. Never, ever. Like I know I will never ever forget how much I love Jesus. With my WHOLE heart." 

And all I have been able to think about since those words is how teachable she is right now. How I must not brush off any conversation. Every conversation is an opportunity to teach her what is most important to know by heart, God's word. I love how God can remind me what I need to focus on through my 4 1/2 year old. God is Good!