We've all heard this saying 'the days are long but the years are short' and its so true! My children are growing up so fast! I'm sad and happy at the same time. My twins aren't babies anymore, my four year old all of a sudden isn't a little boy, it's all about big boy now. And my oldest is so grown up and starting school already!
We've had lots of make believe story telling at our house lately. They are starting to see the world a little differently then they did when they were younger. Some of these things I wasn't exactly ready for. I've been noticing occasional interest into sneaking and hiding things to their advantage like when they play a game or when being questioned. To be frank, I started to panic a little, this is not how I've been teaching them to live! What did I do wrong? The first time that I've noticed this I embarrassed my child because I didn't know how to react. But I knew that was not the way to do it. I later realized and now understand that this behavior is normal and a part of them growing up.
I started to pray about it and God is so faithful to always answer. He showed me there is no easy way out. I need to teach them patiently every single day and in those learning moments their character will form but it takes time. It's a commitment I have to make until they leave my house and He takes over. For now I am to love them through these learning years of their life one day at a time. I need to remind myself that they are just children and not expect too much from them.
I would like to encourage you all. Sometimes it does get hard to have someone 'literally' depend on you for life every single day! I try very hard to stay above the waves of 'not being good enough' but they still do hit at times. What we need to know is that our God is bigger and he walks on the water! We may not be the 'perfect mom' but we are the 'perfect mom' for our children. Take the hand of Jesus and walk on the water with him, you do not have to do it alone.
Take every situation as an opportunity to teach and keep pointing them to the ultimate truth and authority. Build your child up and do not be ashamed of them. Know this mom or dad you are not defined by the choices your child makes. No one is perfect or holy but the Lord. We are all learning something and making mistakes every day. Be real with your children, show them how you turn to God when you fail in some way or another and reassure them that this is normal.
With one year olds, we understand that they are limited in what they know. So we don't get impatient teaching them the same thing over and over again knowing eventually they will get it. Some take longer then others but thats ok. It's the same thing with teenagers and even adults. We all need love, patience, and the word of God to guide us. Be an example in the way you live and let God teach you as you teach them.
A little tip I'd like to share with you. I used to be hard on myself about not having enough time and energy at the end of the day to read the word of God to them but then I've discovered the audio bible. We all fall asleep listening to it and oh boy does that help! Their favorite is the genealogy in Matthew, they almost have it memorized! The other day while eating lunch Hadassah goes 'mom you know, don't ever throw pearls to pigs because they will trample it and then turn around and attack you.' Its pretty much word for word and all because they listen to it every night. Lately they've been saying "Mom I love God more than you" and I was wondering why they keep saying that. Then yesterday I told my kids it's good to love God more than anything and they told me "Yeah, Jesus said if you love your son, daughter or parents more than me then you are not worthy of me." Can you believe that! I still do try to read every day with them and memorize scripture but I am grateful that there are other ways to hear the word of God and grow. They randomly ask questions from what they were previously listening to so we are always talking about what the bible says.
I hope I was able to speak to someone today who needed some encouragement. We can do this together with Christ and each other and raise or children for the Lord.
Deuteronomy 11:19 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Isaiah 48:17 This is what the LORD says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.
Matthew 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
If any of you have some tips, advise or know of some great resources please share! Thank you very much for reading..
Blessings,
Natty