Spiritual Lessons in Motherhood

Motherhood is extremely rewarding, but it is also very difficult. Children are simply a gift from God, Psalm 127:3-5 states, "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth." Yesterday I had an eye-opening experience with the lord. My kids live with their dad half of the week and when they came home it took an hour to get them in tune with me. Their dad does not believe, but that does not mean he is a bad person, but it's two totally different lifestyles. Finally, after playing some gospel the kids settled down, but I had reached my wits end with the disrespect from my six-year-old. I went downstairs and pleaded to the lord and said, "God you helped me so much, but why can't you spread your holiness onto my kids." I was so upset that I was renewed in Christ, but my kids clearly needed him more. After authentically coming to Christ and praying about everything I was feeling I had a revelation. God gave me these children for a reason, they are a GIFT from him. I am to love them and learn how to properly control my emotions, and attitude toward them. If I am 26 years old and still figuring out how to manage my emotions, then how can my 3 and 6 year old learn to do that all on their own? I remembered that they water me and I am to show them how to manage their emotions. It's not God's job to be a parent to them, but my job to be a follower in Christ and parent accordingly. If god did all the work for us how would we grow spiritually and emotionally? We wouldn't, so we have to be strong and patient with the GIFTS God gave us and seek the kingdom in everything! We are to set an example for our children and as Proverbs 22:6 says, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." This scripture alone shows us that if we feel like God isn't present or it looks like our efforts are worthless, those thoughts are a lie! God sees us, and our kids will benefit from our Christ-like behavior. It's way easier to say, but actually gaining patience and understanding towards our children takes tons of spiritual growth. Our hope is that when they get older, all of our hard work will pay off. I truly believe that it will and this is why... My father always taught us about Jesus, and although we didn't understand at the time, when the time came I knew where to Find Jesus. so simply reading this post shows that you're doing a great job and God sees you! I love you and keep your head up, our God is an awesome God and there is nothing too big or small for him to handle. So trust in him and love those babies, but when times get tough know that you have a father in heaven whom you can trust in and talk to. We are warriors, for Christ and for our household, so keep going!