Parenting & the Gospel

Let's face it, parenting is tough!

By the looks of this picture I'd say being a baby is tough too.

There have been a lot of times lately I've felt completely overwhelmed. I don't know if you've seen or remember the movie Groundhog Day, but I feel like I'm stuck in the same day that just keeps repeating itself. When the alarm clock goes off (aka: the sound of Logan yelling, "Mommy I need to go potty"), I sadly find myself looking forward to the next stage (when Logan can get up without yelling, take care of Rachel, and then around 10am bring us a nice breakfast in bed) instead of embracing the one I'm in.

However, there is a huge part of me that wants to have more children some day. What does this mean (besides the fact that I might be a little crazy)? Children are a HUGE blessing and a gift from the Lord (I mean just look at those cute faces). Even at the end of a tough day there is something about looking in at the kids sound asleep and thinking I wish I could just hold them and never let them go because in many ways they are growing up too fast! Yes, I know I contradict myself. I'm really quite indecisive when it comes to wanting the kids to stay little forever and wanting them to grow up yesterday.

This summer I was able to spend time with some godly staff moms that I deeply respect. There was something noticeably different (and great) about how they lived out and communicated the gospel to their children. It's encouraged me to really seek the Word as I figure out this whole parenting thing. I've found some great resources that have also been helpful: "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Ted Tripp, Gospel Centered Parenting (a sermon podcast 2 part series by CJ Mahaney), and "How People Change" by Timothy Lane & Paul Tripp.

Our reactions to our circumstances have consequences. Our responses, whether godly or ungodly, help create a new set of circumstances to deal with. If I get irritated with my son when he doesn't do what I say, I create a new set of circumstances. When I sin, I make the problem worse, even if my son obeys me. When I respond in godly ways, it doesn't guarantee that my son will respond as I would like, but it does ensure that I am not a hindrance to the work of God in his life. (from How People Change)

I have a lot to learn, but I am thankful for the power of the gospel that is changing me. I don't need my kids to see a perfect mom (since I'm not). I don't want them to see a mom who tries to be perfect either. Instead I pray that they'll see a mom who knows she needs a savior, a mom who is willing to confess her sin, say she's sorry, and ask for forgiveness (yes, even from a one year old). I pray that they'll notice a change in my character over the years as God transforms my heart. I pray that they too will see how much they need Jesus in their lives.

Logan and Rachel were running around playing the other day when he looked at me and said, "Mom, we're on the same team! We're both superheros!" I pray that they will both see Jesus as their ultimate hero and savior and that they will spur one another on towards godliness.