Image credit: phbcz / 123RF Stock Photo
By Cindy Sproles
If you’re a mom, whether by having given birth or by adoption, you are still a mom. And if you are a mom…you are always going to be a first-time mom. Day in and day out your children will tax you with situations you never dreamed – from fun and humorous to moments you are bursting from the seams with pride. Even to moments of great fear and trembling. They will challenge you physically, intellectually and spiritually because this is what children do. But your job above all else, is to not let yourself become overwhelmed or whipped but to stand firm and gently teach. Teach your children to fear God. Show them, regardless of their age, how you have trod the hard paths and found your way. Teach your babies that you make mistakes and you are not ashamed to admit them or repent of them. Show them how to pray and what to pray – when to pray so they will know what to do when the time approaches. Children learn from example. You will always be a first-time mom, always learning with each new adventure or experience. When you feel discouraged take heart. Rejoice in the Lord even in the moments of deep challenge and make every first-time moment with your children the best it can be.
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Psalm 34:11
Cindy Sproles (www.cindysproles.com)
New Sheets – Thirty Days to Refine You into the Woman You Can Be.
http://www.amazon.com/New-Sheets-Thirty-Refine-Woman/dp/1938499220/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
This is such an ENCOURAGEMENT, Cindy. It really doesn’t matter whether we’ve gone one round or five, we are always experiencing first-time moments as moms like you said. The important thing, as you point out, is to keep the Lord at the forefront of everything we are doing in our parenting. No matter what failures or frustrations we are feeling, they are almost irrelevant. We must continue on in our goal of keeping the Lord at the forefront of our parenting and bringing Him into all situations, teaching our children His ways, even amidst our failures and frustrations. I LOVE this reminder and post…thank you for blessing us with your insights.
I am feeling so discouraged. I have a beautiful, smart, sweet 10 year old daughter who has no ambition or drive. She constantly lies about petty things and refuses to do as she is told weather it be assignments from her teachers or chores asked by me or my husband. It seems as though nothing is working to help guide her and I feel I am at my wits end. Please help me with any encouraging words.
Melinda,
I smile as I say there is one in every bunch…we had one just like this. No ambition or desire. It.s difficult. I learned to choose my battles. Some things in the greater scheme of things just aren.t worth the fight. So you pray for discernment on what to push that child on, locate the one passion thee child has. …and they do have something they enjoy…then capitalize on that love. It may be their ipod…but look for it. Discilpine has to be maintained. Boundaries set and enforced. It.s easier to quit than to follow through. But stick with it. There is joy in a rough journey. But it.s worth the effort. You are a good parent. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. That.s Satan gnawing at your confidence. Hang tight. You can do this.