Where Did Those Great Kids Come From?

I have been so blessed with some very wonderful children. There are many times that I want to take credit for how well they have turned out. After all, I have devoted my life to making a home and raising our children. Truth be told, I am most likely more responsible for their flaws than anything, and I am most grateful to a great and glorious God who takes my mistakes, ignorance, pride and selfishness and manages to use those things to produce young men and women who make me proud to be called "mom".

Princess had it rough. As our oldest, she was the test product. I chuckle when I watch the new Nokia commercial for their smart phone. That is kind of how I view our parenting. We tested out theories. We practiced parenting. We learned right along with her what it meant to discipline, be consistent, train and love. There were so many ups and downs because, to be absolutely honest, I had no idea what I was doing. The whole thing was new and different for me, and I was just beginning to learn to turn to God and the Bible when I needed answers.

Dude and Mr. Awesome didn't have it too easy either. Two at the same time always meant sharing. They didn't get one on one time. They didn't get undivided attention. Nothing was ever theirs alone. Too often they were treated to the same discipline and teaching methods even though they are very different people. Dealing with two at the same time also meant a shorter fuse for me. I snapped more often than I would ever want to admit.

Sweet Mo got the short end of the stick. She was so willing to go along with whatever was happening that I forgot to treat her like the young lady she is. She ended up with trucks and footballs as her toys instead of baby dolls and tea parties. Her desire to please her parents means that I didn't parent her at intentionally as I should have.

Squishy has had his own hurdles. It is never easy to be the baby. I am older and worn out. It is hard work to discipline consistently. I am tired of teaching the same lessons over and over. By now, I want my kids to know to obey, tell the truth, be caring, gentle and selfless without having to constantly remind them. I know that I have ignored his needs too often because I am selfish and just want a little time to myself.

I have tried. Like most of you, I want to be a great mom. I want to lead my children as they grow closer to God. I want them to display the fruits of the Spirit. I want them to succeed in this life, following the path the Lord has designed for them. I know that because I am a sinful woman, I haven't tried hard enough. I have failed to do all that I can possibly do to reflect Christ to my children. Fortunately, the God of the Bible is gracious. He takes my mistakes and my failings as a mom and uses them to mold some pretty incredible human beings. I eagerly look forward to what else He will do with them. In the meantime, I will continue to muddle along as their mom, making mistakes, loving them and doing what I can; knowing the God will use it all for good in their lives. I'd really like to take the credit for the amazing children in my family, but really it all does belong to He who is able to work good things until the day of Christ Jesus. May He continue to work in me and in them.