Lessons my Child has taught Me

Skylar and titus

The Lord has taught me lessons my entire life, but there is something so incredibly special about learning them through your child. These lessons that He has taught me during my sons life have all had a common thread: Surrender. So many times throughout my pregnancy and these first few months I have had with my son, I’ve found myself firmly gripping my hands around what I thought God should do. I would plan out what I think is best and find myself in a state of constant worry hoping that my plan would unfold just the way I wanted. But I have learned that just because I believe it’s something a good God should do, doesn’t mean He’ll do it- because He is a good God, but He is also a God with thoughts far above mine.

When I became a mom I realized that I can very easily worry about every single “what if?” if I choose to. But my anxiety does not disappear when I know the plan for tomorrow, It disappears when I choose to rest in the God of Every Tomorrow’s plan.

And every day I’m learning, whether it be the easy way or the hard way- that those are the plans I desire for myself, my son and ultimately my family.

Jari, Tommy, and Demi

When I became a mother I instantly felt the responsibility to be my child’s greatest godly influence. I felt it was my job to make sure they “made it” spiritually. While my children are still so young, I realized pretty early on that I can’t control my children into perfection or into having a heart for God. I can’t think for them, I can’t make them do what’s right, and I can’t make them be who I want them to be. I was reminded that God is truly sovereign over my children’s lives. He has a plan for them that may be different than what I desire, and I need to be okay with that. For someone who has a slight need to have control and “have a plan” this won’t always be easy. This doesn’t mean I won’t be used to influence their lives, I 100% will.

But their faithfulness to God or lack thereof, doesn’t solely depend on me. God has a bigger story for my kids than what I could imagine.

So I will continue to love on my children, pray fervently over them, control my own personal relationship with Christ and leave the rest to Him.

Sarah and Avalon

My child is teaching me dependence.
I thought I knew what it felt like to have a kid depend on me. Being the oldest girl in a family of 8 makes you learn that quickly. But, I was wrong. The beautiful responsibility, and weight you feel when you look in the eyes of the baby God gave you, will change the meaning of that word! My daughter, from the moment she was born 19 months ago, has depended on me for her every physical and emotional need. The feeling of fulfillment when I provide what she needs is like nothing I’ve ever felt, it’s amazing! But what if she went hungry instead of coming to me for food? What is she was cold instead of coming to me for warmth? What if she was lonely and didn’t cry for me to come comfort her? It would be unnatural and heartbreaking! She was made to depend on me. I’ve sat with her so often and thought how much I do that with my Heavenly Father. Instead of just calling out I try to fix problems on my own, carry the weight of trials alone, and worry about things I can never control.

We were made to depend on God- there is no difference between us and our sweet babies who look to us for their every need.

I have never loved anything, as much as I love being Ava’s everything and I NEVER want her to know what it feels like to want her mom, but I’m not there. I’ll do everything in my power and give up anything I need to, every single day, to make sure she never feels that. I hope I don’t deprive my Father of that same feeling. He’s always there and always will be there for my every need, all I have to do is pray, and depend.

Matthew 7:11- “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

Amanda, Keira, and Sienna

Recently I was feeding Sienna, my five week old, and while I was feeding her Keira came up to me and said “Mommy, baby Sia on floor.” She said it multiple times and it came to the point to where she was practically begging me to put the baby down. Finally, I gave in. Just as I put Sienna down Keira climbed on the couch and gave me a big hug and said “love you mommy!” My heart literally melted! All she wanted was to hug me and show me love! I felt so bad that I gave her a hard time and took so long to put the baby down! Her hug and affirmation of love was just what I needed but I didn’t know that’s why she wanted me to put the baby down! It made me think, I bet that’s how God feels when he asks me to do something and I fight against him but He’s persistent and gives grace. Once I do what He says, He always gives me exactly what I need! I didn’t deserve Keira’s love in that moment just like I don’t deserve God’s love but I’m so thankful and blessed they do love me, unconditionally!

I pray for Gods love to come through me to my girls. I love them with my whole heart, but I want nothing more but for them to feel the perfect love God gives!

Christiana and Michael

I’ve only been caring for little Michael about 4 weeks now, but he’s already taught me some things for sure. One thing that he has taught me is unconditional love. Although that sounds cliche or common, it’s still very real the second I met Michael. All the sudden things that I wouldn’t normally so willingly give up, ie. sleep, time, energy etc. all the sudden became easy to give for his sake.It was no question, as soon as he was born his needs came before anything else I wanted. It’s not a burden or problem, it’s just immediately instinct. I believe that’s the way God views us as his children. He gave his literal life for us, because of the natural love he felt.I am so thankful to know that when I pray to God, I’m praying to someone who loves me with an even more pure love then I have for my son.