“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” Psalm 90:12
This year has delivered many changes in my life. Changes that were scheduled to happen, yet I found myself not quite prepared for them. My oldest child graduated high school and is now in the Coast Guard, my middle child started high school, and my baby has grown into a young lady. Time is a thief! I was not prepared for it to take all the littleness away from my children so quickly.
As my children grew, I had other parents who had experienced this process say to me, “Enjoy every moment; they are only small for a short time!” I will be honest with you, those words penetrated my ears, but I had the limited ability to take it to heart. It’s a hard thing to enjoy changing diapers while smelling of baby spit-up and running on fumes from lack of sleep to realize the joy of motherhood in every little moment. But those words proved to be very true; they are only small for a short time!
As I have been thrust into this new season of life, I have learned to rely on the strength of the LORD in a totally different way. My trust is in His ability to work out all the details of my children’s futures. To guide them on the paths He wants them to go and protect them in the everyday moments of their lives.
“Then all your children will be taught by the Lord, their prosperity will be great.” Isaiah 54:13
My prayers have adapted to the season I am in and have moved beyond the ones of the early years of parenthood. As I trust God to direct and lead my children in their personal walks with Him, I can truly trust Him with the outcome. His direction and care for my children are far better than any of my plans for them.
The LORD has provided what I have needed to raise my children as they have entered different stages of their lives. I could not and cannot be the mother I need to be without His wisdom and instruction. As I have sought His guidance in these days, I have had to obtain strength to persevere in the raising of these little disciples. You see, the influence we have on our children’s walk with the LORD is the biggest responsibility in parenthood!
Yes, it is great to teach them to be academically wise and give them hobbies to help them grow, but don’t let culture lie to you and tell you those are the most important characteristics to teach your children. Raising daughters and sons that seek to honor God with their whole hearts is what will change the outcome of the generations!
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7
It is not a job for the faint of heart. Believe me. The enemy seeks to distract us from this purpose. He knows how dangerous children who grow into faithful followers of Christ truly are. That is why we must be diligent in our pursuit of parenting with godly intent. The days are long, but the weeks are short! We must abide in Christ to be the parents that make disciples, who in turn make disciples. It is far more important to raise children who are faithful than children who are successful! I know that is counterintuitive to what our flesh says because who doesn’t want to see their child succeed in life? But if we raise faithful children, the LORD will be their guide, and He will help them be the women and men of character and integrity that we desire.
Hear me on this. I am not saying that I have this all figured out. Believe me. The LORD is teaching me each day. All that I know is I am not able to do the job in my own strength.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” John 15:5
I must stay connected to Him through the reading of his word and constant communication through prayer. As I do this, He will give me the wisdom that is needed for each day’s struggles. I know I can trust God with each of my children, for He loves them far greater than I can fathom.
“For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret when I was formed in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.” Psalm 139:13-16
I am learning in each stage of my life as a parent what it truly means to trust Him and abide in Him. If it were not for His love, grace, and strength, I would be a basket case. As I get up each morning and realize another day has arrived, I must remind myself not to let the day get away from me, and the thoughts of the future overwhelm me. I must stay connected to the LORD as He teaches me to abide with Him in all areas of my life, not just motherhood.
Amanda Patterson
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#amandapattersonblogs