“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love that we will sing for joy and be glad all of our days.” Psalm 90:14

Keeper of the Chocolate

While contemplating the wide-eyed wonder and belly laughs of childhood, I realized I hold a very important position as a mother: the keeper of the chocolate, the planner of parties, and basically the facilitator of joy. It seems unfair that I hold this power in my family. I know that if any of my children had this right, they would exercise it freely—sweets and roller coasters for everyone!

When the Bible tells us women will be saved through childbirth, does that saving grace come in part through the rose-colored glasses with which children show us the world (1 Timothy 2:15)? God is exponentially better, His love immensely greater than we could possibly fathom, and small children seem to inherently get it.

However, I’ve often missed small opportunities for laughter and fun in a quest for order and efficiency. How many times have I singled-handedly squelched my children’s joy? Denied a dip in the stream to avoid scrubbing mud from their clothes, refused a chance to paint a masterpiece to prevent paintcovered fingers and walls. There is a time and place for everything; I am certainly not suggesting you live as a slave to every whim of your child. It’s all about finding the proper balance.

I resolve to become more like a child, as Jesus instructed His disciples—to laugh and love with abandon, leaving my cares to my Heavenly Father. Isn’t that how God intends for us to live? Surely He derives pleasure from witnessing His children delight in small gifts, just as we do with our little ones.

God has given us this awesome world in which to live, and I intend to bask in the beauty of it. I pray He will open my eyes as I study my children, and help me to see all that is beautiful and precious—that He will teach me to immerse myself in pure, exuberant joy as I learn to live and love as God’s holy and dearly-loved child (Colossians 3:12). I want to take my family alongside me as I bask in God’s abundant love, goodness, beauty, and grace every day and emanate sincere, abundant joy all my life (Psalm 90:14).

Blessings and Love,

Heather

Go Deeper:

Are there ways in which you should learn to become like a child? For example, do you yell at your children to clean their rooms when you ought to turn on some music, dance, and clean a bit less efficiently? (I’m guilty of this)

Pray that you may relish in God’s blessings, internalize them, and let His joy and peace flow through you.

What’s Next?

Resolve to see the world through the delighted eyes of your sweet children instead of forcing them to see our tiresome, grown-up world. Look for the simple blessings in your life. Give thanks aloud and rejoice; ask your children to do the same.

Plan a special way to bless your family–an evening trip to the park, a favorite meal by candlelight, or a heartfelt love note. Revel in the joy of your loved ones. Read Psalm 90:14, and remind them of your quest for joy that starts with Jesus’ love!

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Heather Doolittle

When I was seven, I learned about God over ice cream at a friend's church. As I grew older and experienced real trials, I rejected religion and rebelled. Logically, I believed God existed, but I didn't see His Goodness or Love. I met my husband Mike during that time, and we accidentally started a family. God used my unplanned pregnancy to draw me near to Him and reveal His unfailing Love for me.

Today, Mike and I give thanks daily for our thriving marriage and three sweet daughters. I will forever love Jesus whose mercy triumphs over judgement (James 2:13). I consider myself blessed to be a part of Help Club For Moms and share the Love, Grace, and Mercy that make my story beautiful.

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