I don't know about you, but as a mom I struggle almost daily with discouragement. Why won't he eat this food or that food? Where did this tantrum throwing come from? I must be doing something wrong.
Yesterday, for the umpteenth time, I tried giving Timothy some cooked peas and carrot pieces during the finger food part of his dinner. I had no hopes for him eating them, as since the very first time when they were introduced and he loved them, he won't eat them. After chowing down on the puff cereal and cheese that I had also put out, he turned to the veggies. He picked up a piece and squeezed it between his fingers with his usual "I'm not going to eat this" look. And then, surprisingly, he put it in his mouth. And then he reached for another one. And another.
You may think me awfully silly, but my heart immediately soared with praise to God. It had been an unusually discouraging day, and God decided to reach down during my son's dinner time and lift my eyes.
I do none of this child-rearing and parenting on my own. God is in control even of what Timothy eats and doesn't eat. God doesn't allow these difficulties so that I will become discouraged, look down upon myself--look to myself at all, really. He provides them as opportunities to look to Him for strength, guidance, and comfort. I often don't respond correctly. Yesterday, however, was different. And I am thankful.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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4 comments:
Difficulties are opportunities to look to Him. That is a very good reminder, Brooke. We all have things in our lives that could be labeled "difficult". And in our weakness His strength can be known.
Thanks for sharing that incident. You encouraged my heart.
"I must be doing something wrong." How often I've sung that worn out song. The refrain is: "I can't get it all done!"
Often I find myself right where you were yesterday. Someone once reminded me, "God is the only one who does things perfectly. You never will." And another like it: "God is the only one who completes His 'to do' list.
BTW Brooke, you are an excellent mother. Timothy wouldn't be so healthy and obviously happy if you weren't. But I share your joy in this little victory!
You're not silly Brooke, but exactly on the right track!!
Its awesome you are so aware of
your complete dependence upon God
while your baby is still a baby.
For me, I didn't fully grasp my
utter dependence upon God probably
until my kids were almost grown.
How differently I might have parented my children had I realized
my complete dependence on Him. Not
only would I have been a calmer mother, but I would have naturally taught my kids that they too were
totally dependent upon our Sovereign Lord. I'm sure I told my children that when they were growing up, but saying something and LIVING IT are two different things. Thank you for sharing that, as it has encouraged my heart
to see a young Mom know that God is
in total control of all things.
It is such a joy to see young moms today depend totally on God! Keep doing so Brooke and keep leading buy way of example to those coming up behind you or with you! Know that you could never be that perfect mother we create in our minds and get frustrated when we don't meet our own expectations of ourselves. God doesn't even put those expectations on us. He knows we are striving to train and admonish our children in His ways and therefore covers all of our mistakes by His amazing grace!!! Halelujah! Keep lifting your eyes to the one who is perfect and He will keep you in His peace!
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