Divorce, Martyrs and Prophets

The past two weeks I've been on a vacation of sorts up north (my excuse for not blogging).
The past week I got to work with Sarah and Matthew - the children I used to nanny for. The first two days were hectic as we settled into "routine" and it wasn't until Wednesday that we had our first serious conversation... on divorce.
Yes, the eight-year-old Sarah, commenting on my upcoming marriage mentioned the possibility of divorce, but added that it wouldn't be "for a long time." I gently told them that this wouldn't happen because of what I believe God states in the Bible about marriage - it's supposed to be a special reflection of him and the Church. It cannot be broken. Whoa. Tough topic one, especially as her grandparents are divorced.
The next day as I was reading my church history book about Perpetua (a martyr from 200 AD) Matthew came and asked what I was reading and I shared that I was reading about a martyr. He listened intently as I shared that Felicity, Perpetua's friend, was in jail and pregnant and asked to have the baby early so she could die; she did not ask to be removed from the trial but to go through it. He listened intently and with amazement.
Friday was not quite as intense. We read about prophecy a bit (Perpetua was a prophetess) and then read some about Samson and how he did (and did not) listen to God.
I am so blessed, looking back on the week, to have had those conversations with those precious children. I love the opportunity to explain, model, and teach them. I prayed for those opportunities and God in his grace answered. Through the whole week it reminded me of a simple truth, though; we are to be ready to preach the gospel in season and out with complete patience (2 Timothy 4:2).