After receiving the blessing of children, a whole new reality set in. I remember strangers, with twins older than mine, wearing the badge of "survival" as I faced yet another foggy day. Older women with teens wistfully encouraged me to enjoy each day...their youth goes by so fast. And my own dear momma telling me gently that perhaps it is time to "call it a day and make some lemonade and cookies...go sit in the shade of a tree."
Somewhere over the years, all the physical needs of my little people have turned into emotional needs and spiritual needs, and the ever-present needs of emerging adulthood. Exhausting. Completely and wonderfully exhausting. Countless hours are spent in heart-probing discussion, challenging conversation and comforting encouragement. We laugh, we cry, we face struggles and temptations head-on. We talk of dreams and the death of dreams. We probe the depths of ought to's and ought not's, walking in the flesh, or walking in the Spirit. Our one great Standard? The Word of God. Do we fail? Absolutely. But there is that opportunity to again experience the redemption and forgiveness of God. And last night as the conversation drew to a close, there was a decided peace which of course, is from God alone. But it gave me cause to realize again how important it is to build genuine relationships with our children so that they come to mom and dad for insight, encouragement, counsel, direction.
I am so jealous (vigilant, concerned for : Webster's 1828) for their heart and so very thankful for the time I have at home with them.
The days are going by much too fast.
6 comments:
Hello Mrs Regan! (Kelsey's Mom here)
I so appreciate your comments on this recent post and as a fellow Mom understand all you speak of. What a privilege to be a mother and the hard work is a huge blessing when we see the fruit of our labors! Having children has to be one of the most wonderful blessings from God and those who have chosen otherwise are missing it! I know some can't have children, yet there are those who see them as a burden. I can't begin to comprehend that! I thank you for your thoughtful and insightful posts. Keep up the great work you and your husband are doing! It is very evident that you are doing a lot right. I see this when I read your twins blogs! You are blessed, we are blessed, and I pray for your family to continue to flourish for the glory of God, our great King and Lord!
I hope your back is better.
God Bless you and your sweet family!
Lydia Hoppman
Wonderful post. :)
What a precious post! It is uplifting for me, a mother of a 2 and 4 year old, to have the models of Christ-centered wives/mothers, and families, to strive to emulate. Thank you for sharing the precious gems within your God-fearing mother's heart, in this blog format.
I have enjoyed the overall simplicity of child-rearing thus far, meeting the physical needs as you said, and teaching simple obedience and love for God and His Word. What seems a more complicated and daunting challenge is the task of keeping your child's heart over the years, parenting them in a way that they would come to their father and mother with their secret hopes, dreams, temptations and confessions. When does discipline and correction transition into more prayer, counsel, "discussion, conversation and encouragement" as you mentioned...
I'd sure appreciate your input if ever you get the chance!
Thanks!
Marybeth
When the Lord decided that children were going to be in our future...we just accepted and moved on.
Now, after celebrating my oldest son 15th birthday, I can look back and say "Thank you Lord for not listening to me when I said that children were not as important to my life.
I have never been so glad to be proven wrong!
Many blessings to you and your lovely family.
maria
Awesome header pic.... =) Hope you all are doing well. God bless! =)
What sweet words. I have walked through each of those times and it is sweet!
Thank you for your gentle words~ Cinnamon
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