That title sounds scandalous, doesn’t it? You might think I don’t value my kids highly enough or that maybe I’m self-centered.
I think my three daughters (27, 23, and 18) would vehemently disagree.
They’ve witnessed me go to bat for them.
When one needed a medical appointment and we got the run-around for a few weeks, I drove to the office. I walked in and sweetly asked the receptionist to book that appointment. She told me I had to call. Smiling, I told her I had done just that, every day for the past two weeks.
She looked uncomfortable.
I waited, amicable, yet not moving as a line formed behind me.
A moment later we had an appointment a few days later.
Another daughter has a chronic health condition that would have kept her away from camp. Guess who chaperoned ten hormonal, pre-adolescent girls so her daughter would not miss out?
When another daughter wanted to apply to a college 2000 miles away, I did not automatically say ‘no’. I listened to her reasoning. My heart constricted.
I did some research. The college had a summer program for rising high school seniors. Ah ha! I told her she could apply to the summer program, and had our permission to attend. She got in, she went all by herself (after taking a self-defense class at the local police station) and returned sold on the school.
Hmmm.
Okay God, whatcha thinking?
She ended up admitted to said school, then, God verified His decision with a partial scholarship. It was time to let her go.
I missed her crazily. I prayed multiple times a day and night for her safety and growth.
Parenting isn’t for the weak, or the emotional, or for the soul who can’t trust anyone but herself. I have had a few different careers, and let me tell you, the one that was most physically, emotionally, and spiritually demanding? Parenting.
Praise God I’m not in it alone. My husband says the same.
God has always come through for our kids.
Even on a life flight.
Even in a fire.
Even through the darkness of mental illness.
Oh, this mamma did all she could. The physical tasks, the hugs, the talks, the laundry, all while praying like there’s not tomorrow.
Where my abilities ended, God covered it. And He did it completely, beautifully, and some way, somehow, managed to grow both them and me throughout the experience.
God loves my children more than I do.
He gave them to me for a short time, to love, and teach and care for. But they are truly His. And He is a loving Father. Matthew 26 reminds us how God sees every detail. How He cares for even the birds, and aren’t we and our children even more important? He’s got our kids! His eye is on them ALL the time. They are never outside His grasp.
We as parents need to remember that, and yes, let it encourage us!
It’s hard to recall that in a crisis sometimes, but God wants to help us. Will you join me in prayer for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, what an awesome gift You have given me in my children. I know You know I love them. More than anything else in this world. And yet, You not only are capable of loving them even more, but You absolutely do. Remind me You are holding them. You are also caring for them. Equip me to do my job, and when I struggle to trust You, remind me that my prayers are the best I can do. You will carry the rest. Thank You Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen.