I often find myself overwhelmed in the role of being a mother. There are so many things that come with that role in all of the everyday life happenings. I sometimes am not confident at all in my ability to raise Grey and eventually Tucker (which is a whole other realm of being overwhelmed) the way that God has called me. He does not want me to confident in my abilities but in His alone. What I am confident in is the fact that the Lord's ways are way higher than mine and even when Matthew and I were not even thinking twice about being parents, that was His way and that is perfect.
So here we are, soon to be parents of two of the Lord's precious creations made in His image. He has put them in our care for their time on this earth and has called us to His standard in raising them. I am called to shape the lives of my children as it pleases Him.
I am not one for reading books or doing research to learn what's best. I never read a book on pregnancy as I was (or am now) pregnant. I figured the doctor would let me know if there was something I should be doing or not doing. I have never delved into a parenting book or something that tells me one way to do things. This probably is directly related to the fact that I don't like being told what to do or being put in any sort of box. (I understand this is a problem and it always has been, just ask my parents)
That's why it is really strange when I had an overwhelming desire to check out the book pictured above, Shepherding a Child's Heart. Matthew and I began reading it together a few weeks ago. I just finished Chapter 5 but feel like I have read enough challenging truth for a lifetime! The premise of the book is that the things that we all do, but specifically children in this case, flow from the heart. (Luke 6:45) I immediately was drawn in.
In the first five chapters, Matthew and I have been challenged in our thinking as parents and are being stripped of our initial intentions in discipline. When it comes down to it, we have many goals that have been wrongly shaped by our culture and have altered God's standard for raising children. His word is clear in that we are to direct our children to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. (Genesis 18) To know we are under God's authority to be the authority over our children is humbling. We are going to be held accountable for the knowledge that we have been given and what we have done with it. I want to do my best in helping Grey and Tucker understand that their actions are a reflection of their heart and there, as of now, is lots of sin in that little heart.
I have also been challenged in my study of Matthew (the book of the Bible, not my husband) through the life and teachings of Jesus. I feel as though I am in a constant battle between Spirit and flesh the more and more I understand the standard I am called to as a believer. In this call, I am a parent and God has allowed me that role. Through His Word, I am striving to put the knowledge He reveals to me to action and parenting pretty much takes up all of my life. So I'll start there.
There is so much more I could go on and on about but when it comes down to it, we are called to glorify God. This is what I want for my children and the only thing that matters. In all I do and all my children do, we should be evaluating if it is bringing the glory to God that He deserves. It is Matthew and I's responsibility to "shepherd" their hearts.
Pat it out
We ate on the living room floor which made it all the more fun!
