Idols of the Heart

When we began this book study by Elyse Fitzpatrick I was very prideful. I couldn't really think of any idols of my heart. (Isn't that ridiculous?) It became very clear, very quickly idols were looming all around me.
One "idol" that I think I've struggled with is my own children's approval. I have often run myself crazy trying to do one thing after another, knowing it might not be the best thing for me to do at the moment, but I didn't want them to be disappointed. Recently, after lunch out with Ray, one of the girls asked me where I went. I told them I had gone out with Ray for lunch, just for fun. She, half-jokingly, half-seriously, said, "Just for fun? You could have been here with me, I needed you." Without thinking, I responded, "I'm not going to apologize for going out with my husband and I'm not going to feel guilty about it either." It felt good to be clear that it's important  for Ray and me to be together sometimes, without the girls and just for fun.
Our children, like the rest of us can be as self centered as anyone. They need to know where they stand, not think that we worship them. And I need to be clear with myself of who I'm really worshipping.