I am a first time mom and letting go has not been a very easy task for me. I fear the unknown. Each time my son has entered a new stage of life I cringe. Fear of hurts and disappointments seeing that disappointed look on the face of my son. The fear of peer pressure and outside influences in my child's life scares me to no end. Will he be strong enough in His faith to stand against what he knows it not right, will he make wise choices?
Then I get this horrible sense of inadequacy. Am I a good Mother? Did I arm him with enough knowledge that their own decisions would always have consequences? Did I help make him secure enough in himself that he would be able to handle disappointments? Enough sense to walk away from a situation that can only land him in trouble? Then I was stopped short in my tracks… wasn't it God that trusted this child to my hands to be raised the way HE wanted Him to be.
In the Old Testament we read how important children are. When women couldn't have children they felt defeated. Hannah for example couldn't eat because she was so grief stricken not having a child. There are so many joys of having a child.
The Joy of birth. Yes, there is the pain of the birth, but once you hold that child in your arms it is completely forgotten. To see that tiny bundle curled up in your arms and the complete dependency that child has on you.
John 16:21 (New International Version)
21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.
Second is the pride and delight of a child's development.
Ever talked to a new First time mother, when their child takes that first step or says their first word to them it is a miracle. When you hear a child laughs or performing in their first play. The first day of school okay that wasn't a good thing for me I cried the whole way to work after watching him get on the bus. The first project they did on their own and the first honor roll grade card, and even when they do very well in sports. I am sure I will see many more along the way. As mothers we get so excited and can't help be a bit prideful when we see our children succeed.
The wonder we seen when we look threw a child's eyes.
Coloring their first picture or any new experience. When they look at bugs, flowers or even clouds they are simply amazed. Sometimes we forget what it is like to lay on our backs and look up at the clouds and see different shapes. Try doing that with your child, not only is it quality time with your child but it is very relaxing. How about way they see the sights and sounds around them from Christmas time to the first time they bring home those all so wonderful bouquet of "God's flowers." Dandelions.
Another blessing is being used by God to comfort.
From the first boo boo's and scraped knees to helping them through the first disappointment when someone doesn't like them just because of them. Next comes the disappointments of not making the team to their first heartbreak. And the first time for you finding the experience of God answering your plea for the perfect words of wisdom and comfort at the right time.
Finally, has anyone ever thought that God is using our children as a way to develop us?
To most mothers and father, parenting is a total commitment, from the very beginning being up in the middle of the night, all the way to the first time they are out on their own. Through being a parent God teach us about patience, wisdom, will power, and most importantly unconditional love. Every day we have the chance to plant tiny seeds to help them grow into good people and loving Christians. It is up to us to teach perseverance, compassion, and understanding.
When you are about to give up hope and unsure about your choices as parents? Don't!!! Your children they are a gift from God. God gave them to you and he hasn't ever given up on you. The funny thing is when you least expect it you will see those children, you think are not listening, actually using what you have taught them and make the wisest of choices.