We are spoiled, here in Washington, to live surrounded by such beauty - an abundance of local lakes and rivers as well as the Puget Sound only a few miles away.
I’ve been convicted quite a bit lately about my parenting; how to be a better mother, how to love my children unconditionally yet still raise them with godly values, how to praise more than I criticize, how to keep my eye on the essentials and not get lost in the mire of life’s busyness and daily chores.
Mostly I just come up empty and floundering.
Daniel - my beloved middle child - is growing faster than I can keep up.
I fear that I am a work in progress, as a wife, mother, disciple of Jesus. Normally this would bring me comfort, and yet these years are racing by; I am running out of time, or so it feels, to be transformed and molded and shaped into a wise and godly parent. As Joshua nears graduation this spring there is a constant whispered hint of his departure for college in the fall.
Is it possible that this role of mother I have inhabited for so long is actually a fleeting one? No, wait, I’m not done, I’ve barely started the training portion of the job.
In my reading I stumbled across this verse in Hebrews:
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
Ah, I see. God will equip me with everything I need to do His will. He will move in and through me to bring Him glory. He does not leave me in the place of struggling and dismay as a mother. He has blessed me with these precious children and called me to this work. As I seek Him and strive to be transformed in His likeness, He will give me the strength and wisdom to parent.
Perfectly? No.
Humbly? Hopefully.
Graciously? Sometimes.
Flawed? Always.
I long, most of all, to be teachable in my role as mother. I want to hear from the Lord and obey as He leads and guides me.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesian 2:10
I'm pretty sure being a good mom means knowing when to fix hot cocoa!
I love you, dear Katherine. The Lord is working in and around you. Hang tight and never lose hope in His amazing transforming grace.
Thanks for sharing with me! I am proud of you!
Love, Aunt Kate
Love that you’re updating your blog! You both are such gifted writers. Carl and I respect your family so much!!!
I’m pretty sure the fluffy marshmallows qualify you for great mom status. ::wink:: this is a great post. Praying with you as Josh nears graduation.