It's so crazy how fast kids grow up..... One minute my baby girl needs to be held and swaddled, and then I blinked, and now she's hollering from the bottom of the stairs "Mom, have you seen my ballet shoes? We're gonna be late for dance class!" and wanting to go ride the rides at the Mall of America. The same goes for the little boy that not so very long ago, scooted across the carpet to keep up with his big sister, and now chases her down with the Little Tykes lawn mower in the yard. I always hear people say "Cherish these years, because they go by way too fast", and isn't it the truth. When did they grow up? How did I miss them going from helpless babies who depended on me for everything, to being able to do things for me? Now more than ever I am beginning to fully realize how important it is to choose daily the type of mother I will be. Parenthood is the most influential job one can ever have! The behaviors of a mother are inexplicably influential in that they affect not only their children, but their children's children. I've seen it firsthand. Something that a parent will say or do in passing and not give a second thought to, ---a look, a comment, or a tone of voice even--- can stand out years later in the mind of a child as being a major event that shaped their tender personality-- for good or for bad.
What a great reason to get on my knees daily for my family! I'm thankful that I have a Father who knows them better than I do. He knows their strengths and weaknesses, their temptations and their temperaments. I'm grateful that every single day I have the privilege of kneeling before my Father and interceding for my children, and that those prayers are acknowledged. Why don't I do that more?! What is the reason that I have difficulty finding quiet time to go to the Lord on their behalf--what could possibly be more important that that? Facebook? Phone calls? Budgeting? Meal planning? The successful completion of even the most highly regarded of my worldy tasks pales in comparison to what the Lord can do for my children with the mere words of my asking. I don't have what it takes to be the perfect parent, but I know who does. Watching them grow up before our very eyes should be a wake up call. Its about time that parents in America get back to basics and stop putting 2nd things 1st. Where our children will spend their eternity depends on it.
