Without a doubt, nothing has stretched me more spiritually than motherhood. In addition to filling my heart with overflowing joy, being a mom has stretched me to the limits of my endurance, and revealed gaping holes in my character.
Here's just one of many examples. You see, before kids, I probably would have bragged about being patient. I'm a go-with-the-flow type of person, who doesn't mind a delay in a line or at a restaurant. I'm forgiving to drivers who go for miles with their left turn signal on, and full of compassion for those who seem befuddled by life. But give me a child who decides that she would rather wear shorts and a t-shirt, rather than the long pants I "suggested," and I'm as patient as a dog who hears the word "Walk?"
My relationship with my children is emotionally charged. There's the protective instinct I have for each of them that colors my decisions, as well as the hopes, dreams, fears and frustrations of dealing with children who think and act differently than I ever have. So when something happens to one of them, it happens to me too. Just in a different way.
Today I have a devotion running on Proverbs 31 and Crosswalk about being a patient parent. Specifically, I shared the challenge of sowing good character seeds into children, and being patient until the harvest shows up. And I also wrote about what can happen when we sow negative character traits into our children. We always reap more than we sow.
While I hope that others are ministered to by the biblical truths shared in the devotions I write, the truth is they always contain something for me too - even months after I've written them.
I believe God is reminding me that, like it or not, I am a gardener in the hearts of my children - and those around me. Every day I'm sowing something into their hearts. So, the question for me today is this:
What am I sowing into my children's (friend's/husband's/family's) hearts today through my character?
Is it patience, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy?
Or is it anger, bitterness, impatience and hurry?
I know that only through God's power in my life can I begin to be the person and mother He is calling me to be. May you experience that same power in your own life.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Friday, January 8, 2010
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14 comments:
Glynnis, what a beautiful post!
My children are grown and after my experiences I can say that continual encouragement, telling your children you are proud of them, and also letting them know God forgives mistakes should be givens in their lives. That builds self-esteem. Sometimes situations can happen where patience is tested to the limit and that is when these things are most important.
I have enjoyed my children and am happy to say they are in the health care profession today.I have a granddaughter that just began Au Pair duties in Switzerland. :D
The love keeps on coming. :D And our kids are always our children, no matter what age. What a special privilege in life.
Blessings, Nancy J Locke
Glynnis -- you are speaking to this momma's heart.
My girlfriend always told me: "Motherhood is the hardest job you'll ever love."
Now that I am in my 9th year of motherhood, I always say:
"Motherhood keeps me on my knees in prayer to Him!" Motherhood has also kept me in His Word every day. The joys and painful challenges of motherhood are both more than I ever imagined.
Thank you for your encouragement. Step by step. Moment by moment...looking unto Him.
I love my cherubs. I love my Savior.
I am going to pray that adults did not have that nurturing as children will let their seeds bloom now, through the tender nurturing of the Lord through His Word, prayer and other people in our lives who love us.
I just happened across your article on Proverbs 31...and then onto your blog! You are a beautiful writer and I love what you have to say about reaping what we sow and about patience! Thank you for sharing so eloquently!
I enjoyed your devotional today.
We have 4 children that we have nurtured and have tried to do our best. We have one that has walked away, though, and it has been very painful watching him go through things in his life, knowing that the only thing we can do is love and be there for him. He was very active in church and missions until he went to college, then things changed drastically. He still attends Sunday School every week but we have seen no fruit in over 4 years. However, we just cling to Phil. 1:6: For I am confident of this very thing,that He who has begun a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. This is where our patience has really had to come in. Thanks for such a good reminder of the farmer we as parents are.
S
Thank you so much for this post and the devotional. I have an 11 and 13 yo and lately, it has been a challenge. I needed this encouragement today.
Glynnis, perfect post for me today as my third grade son just changed schools from a small Christian school to a large public school. God's plan, but challenging. The adjustment this week has been full of "School-sickness" for his old friends and school. Thank you for reminding me to hang in there and give him what he needs today in order to be strong and courageouse and develop the confidence that the Lord has for him.
Laura
Great devotion, Glynnis. I often feel I have so little time to sow into the hearts of my children. However, I'm begining to see that they are getting way more than I thought. And that encourages my heart!
love you!
Glynnis,
What a wonderful devotional. I love the visual you left me with...to think of what I am investing in my children as planting seeds that will reap beautiful blessings and benefits. As Sharon said, "Step by step, moment by moment"
Love you,
Wendy
Ah, conviction.
It hurts. :-)
Thank you for food for thought. (and action!)
Glynnis, you've done it again! Through the Proverbs31 devotion you've touched my heart and made me think! Thanks for being such a wonderful "unseen" friend!
-Tricia
Oh so perfect for me. I struggle with not being the patient person I used to be. I have an 18month old and I think he is what God is using to develop my character right now. I love the idea of sowing seeds in my child. I am a gardener and know well that things take time to grow but are worth the wait. Thank you for such an excellent illustration and for encouraging words!
I needed to hear this today. Ugh. With a 12 year old who has hormones doing stuff to her brain she doesn't understand, a 7 year old who is as smart as a whip, but still learning what it means to be responsible for her own behavior and a 6 year old who is learning from everyone around her - the good and the bad...it's a daily struggle.
I am so thankful for the example my own mom and dad set...though I feel I don't have half the patience they did.
God is good, though, and is patient with my children and me. I am so thankful for His grace!
great post. Thank you for sharing!
Hugs,
Donna
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