Wherever I go, I find myself looking at boys and men, and wondering if Charlie or Nate will be like them as they grow up. I see a high schooler with tattoos up his arm and hope my boys won’t do that. I see a college kid being respectful and calling everyone “Sir” and “Ma’am” and want to call his parents to find out what they did right. I read about a little boy suffering from a debilitating disease and think I would never be able to handle that if it were to happen to my boys.
None of these thoughts are bad, of course, but lately I’ve been feeling very convicted of my motivation behind my hopes and dreams for my sons. They mainly come out of pride and fear. I care too much about how people may judge me based on my sons’ actions. And I worry whether I can handle any bumps along this road called parenthood.
I have come to realize that my hope for my boys should be for their salvation and that their lives will glorify God. I should not worry about what other people think, and also not worry about my strength to handle challenges. God has blessed me with these two amazing boys, and he will equip me to do what’s needed. Throughout their lives, Charlie and Nathan will make mistakes and bad decisions (Lord knows I have), and we will face plenty of challenges as a family. But I choose to trust God’s ultimate plan for His glory. That He will protect my sons’ hearts for Himself, and He will give me the endurance and wisdom needed to raise them.
As we approach Easter season, we are reminded of a parent’s ultimate sacrifice, and how He did it because He loves us so much and desires closeness with all of us. Becoming a parent has opened my eyes to how much God really loves us. If I love Charlie and Nate this much, how much more does God love me.
3 comments:
SO GOOD - thank you for sharing your thoughts - I needed to be reminded to have an "eternal perspective" instead of stressing out about sleeping through the night, schedules... (the little stuff) Your always an encouragement to me and I pray that the Lord guides us and gives us wisdom in our parenting - so thankful that He has allowed our paths to cross during this phase in life!
I loved reading your thoughts. You have such a wonderful outlook and it really touched my heart and made me think of all the needless worry that I do. You are such a great person and a wonderful Christian. I feel very grateful having you as a friend.
You are wise beyond your years! Thanks for sharing, Gretchen! I'm jealous that Tom gets to see you and the boys next week! He is looking forward to it! (And the rest of us are sending our love!!!)
Post a Comment