Loud.
Busy.
Sticky.
Hot.
FUN.
Love it. Most of the time. I've been a bit tired of it this week, but I'm grateful, still. So much to be grateful FOR.
In the midst of the chaos, I keep thinking about the crowd of little ones (some not so little, anymore) that the Coach and I have charge of. It's humbling. And frightening. And in our own strength? Totally impossible.
But the truth? We aren't raising kids. Not at all.
I don't want them to END UP kids. Good grief! I want them to grow into adults (which seems increasing uncommon these days).
Responsible.
Loving.
Hard working.
God honoring.
(not necessarily in this order, of course)
Good husbands and wives.
Good parents.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (Luke 2:52)
Who will, themselves, raise children up to be the same. Hopefully, used by God to make a difference in our world. And for eternity.
It's a long list and a tall order. Especially on days when I just want to run in the opposite direction of the latest mess or tearful breakdown. Or maybe have a tearful breakdown of my own!
But if I remember where I'm headed, it sure makes life different. If I want them to grow up to be great kids, then it's all about FUN and doing things FOR them and letting them have their way. Making them happy, forheavenssake.
On the other hand, if I want them to grow up to be sober minded ADULTS, I have to work on increasing their independence, letting them shoulder responsibility and deal with the consequences of their actions. To feel the weight of answering to an all-knowing all-mighty creator God.
My very wise mother-in-law always says that our goal as parents should be to raise kids who are independent of us.
Ouch.
But she's right, you know. I see it more every day, as my kids get bigger (way too quickly) and are called upon to do more and try more and learn more things (most of the time with my help, sometimes without).
And I'd go a step further. Striving to raise them to be independent of US, but DEPENDENT on God. It makes all the difference. Being independent is a good quality. But not if it leads you to think you don't need the Lord. All that I want my kids to be depends completely on the relationship they have with God. Totally sold out to Him. Dying to self. Living for eternity.
The same thing I'm striving to do, myself. As a tired, worn out, overwhelmed, mom of eight. And I pray that they will be much better at this than I am! Praise the Lord for HIS faithfulness.
Nothing like a little contemplation on a Friday night, right?
4 comments:
What a great post. We are memorizing the verses in Luke that talk about denying yourself & taking up your cross & following HIM. It is all about dying to self. Not just when it's comfortable, or not just when we feel like it, but EVERY day. We've been trying to instill this into our kids this week. I'm sure we'll have to continue to do so. It's been convicting to me as well, so your post is very timely!
Many blessings on your weekend!
Wonderful words of wisdom! Thank you! This has been something I have been contemplating, but have not really been able to put into the right words. Probably because I am too tired to think it all the way through. :)
How I love hearing this after a week of only two kids instead of 4. It has been a week of more quiet than I'm used to and more reflection time to re-focus on these thoughts. Thanks for putting it all together for me. Love you.
I think you and I need to meet somewhere and vacation together and get RENEWED! What do you say?? ;-) I hear you on the huge responsibility it is raising our kids. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father is ultimately in control and not even our "mistakes" can thwart His plans for our kids. They are in HIS hands. And so are WE. We need to REST there!
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