God was changing my foundational beliefs—renewing my mind—as well as exposing my heart with His light, and what I saw pouring forth from my heart through this process was not lovely, to say the least. It was a painful time of growth for me. As my husband and I were blessed with more children, more conflict developed and I felt more and more helpless as a parent.
Although I had been churched, I didn’t really understand how much God loved me and tried to raise my young children from my own understanding rather than abiding in Him for the wisdom I so desperately needed. I enjoyed mothering so very much, and I desired to be a Godly parent but I really didn’t know how. What my loving God showed me through this season of raising young children is that
During this season of young children, I continued to read the myriad of “how-to” Christian parenting books and tried to apply various techniques to develop my parenting style. Through that process of attempting to walk with the Lord, He blessed me with His mercy and grace for my journey and led me to abide in Him.
Return to the Table of Contents
As I was watching my second child learn to walk, God spoke to my heart:
learning to walk by the Spirit, and you are wobbling. That's fine. I, your Abba-Daddy, am watching you take your baby steps, just like you are watching your child. It brings joy to My heart knowing that you want to walk right into My arms, just like it brings joy to your heart knowing that your child wants to walk to you.”
Weren't you thrilled? When you are walking through the woods or down your street and your child’s chubby little hand reaches up to yours, aren’t you blessed? Likewise, your heavenly Father is thrilled at your attempts to walk to Him and with Him. He loves you! He is not going to punish you for taking wobbly steps. He's going to cheer you on and come alongside you to help you when you fall.
Return to the Table of Contents
This season of raising young children is your time to begin rooting yourself in the life of the Lord Whose love will fill you to overflowing. You can find many Christian books about spiritual growth and I encourage you to read them.
But practically, how can you cooperate with God (i.e., obey Him) and grow yourself through this season of raising young children?
Let the Lord address your heart—your mind, will, and emotions—as He teaches you how to address the hearts of your children.
Return to the Table of Contents
—especially to receive Your love for us— as we respond to your lovingkindess.
Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness. ~ Jeremiah 31:3
Return to Christian Parenting Articles Page
|
So, I ask you, Mom, Remember when your child walked to you for the first time?
