Reality!

Happy Monday, Sweet friends. It is crazy how quickly our weeks are flying by. Our children are growing leaps and bounds and soon we will be sending them off to college or hugging them on their wedding day.😞 You are probably gasping and yelling at the screen, “no, slow down…. we have years to go!” It’s true those big events are definitely a few years away for our little family. But, in all honesty, those years vanish too quickly. As I face the laundry pile, snotty nose one year old, dirty diapers, crazy homeschooling schedule, and dark bags under my eyes, I couldn’t help but stop this morning and breathe taking in all the wonders that my day holds. Then, it began…the quiet argument around the corner over the dumbest thing- a pencil. I quickly rounded the curve only to find two wide-eyed children realizing that their ugliness wasn’t done as secretive as they had attempted. I flew in with little grace and extreme impatience, only to be stopped by the gentle prodding of the Holy Spirit reminding me that I am not much different from my little ones. I sin. I complain. I rebel against much. I hurt. I am unkind. I am human. (Psalm 51:5)

We are not much different from our little ones

As a mom I have a chance to envelope my children in a safe place called home. I have the responsibility and privilege to teach their little hearts about life, about Jesus, about love, about so many things. Again, this weary mom had to turn from the situation and delve into the Word. As a mom I too have a great responsibility. And, often my flesh is overwhelmed with guilt too. Guilt of my millions of daily failures as I lost my temper, spoke unkindly, did not teach right, and more. Then, in the sitting and in my heart searching I remembered that in my children’s failures they remind me that they are just like their momma. I have not stopped sinning, and I shouldn’t expect my children to stop either. We are in this path of today together…as a team! I must willingly encourage and teach my little ones that I struggle too… Every single day Jesus has to help me. He has to teach me. I need His grace every day too!  I need to offer them bucket loads of grace and love. They need confidence that we get it and we are cheering them on even when their flesh takes over and makes a mistake. 

I need Jesus every day because this mommy messes up too and needs a whole heap of grace, love, and help! 

Weary mom, grandma, dad, remember that today is a new day. Jesus gives us victory and desires to grow us closer to Himself. But, never lose sight in the daily grinds and fail to admit your own weaknesses. It is ever important to humble ourselves before God and man. And, that includes to our littles at home. Our children need to hear “I’m sorry’s” from their parents. They know you aren’t perfect, but they need to know that you know you aren’t and you desire to be more like Jesus even after you blow it. I pray that one day my littles will come back home and “stay awhile” remembering home as a fun, safe place that they felt loved, confident, challenged, and taught knowing that their parents desire was to love them and teach them to be like Jesus even through the failures.

Rejoicing today that Jesus isn’t finished with me yet. Thankful that He uses my children to teach me daily lessons of grace, forgiveness, and love. Run to Him this week, friends, and you won’t be disappointed. You will fail…count on it! But, get back up and grasp Jesus’ hand and run through the rest of the day in His strength.