“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalms 127:3 NLT
My daughter Arrow is an absolute gift from above! Just like I’m sure, your kids are, too, mama! I’ve always said I want to do my best to love her like Jesus each day and enjoy her even if I’m screaming in my head, “Jesus take the wheel!” Which happens a lot. Ha!
The reality is parenting is hard, much harder than I ever anticipated. I was not prepared to learn how selfish I really was, how much love my child was going to require, or how many times I would need to die to myself daily, sometimes multiple times a day! But Jesus knew. He told us following Him would require us to lay down our lives (John 10:11), which includes raising our Kingdom-minded kids!
Yet being a mama has also brought me the most joy in my life! There is scientific proof linked to loving our children well and the person they grow up to be, but it’s honestly a balance of walking the tension between losing your mind and your heart exploding with love for them. I imagine this is how the Lord feels about all of us!
My goal as a parent is to show her what a real relationship with Jesus looks like, the good, the bad, and everything in between. I want to help her hide the Word in her heart and, above all else, love everyone like Jesus so that they may see His light in her. I don’t know that I’m doing any of it well, but I need to trust the Lord that He is working in her heart too! I’m usually reminded prayers can move mountains when we pray before tucking her in at night. I get a glimpse of heaven through her childlike faith, and I fall deeper in love with her and Jesus and the gift that she is!
If you are feeling at a loss of how to love your kids well in this season, maybe a few of these ideas will help you find your rhythm. Pro Tip: don’t try and do these tips all at once! Perhaps one a day at a time or focus on one a week if this is a struggle.
– One of our favorites is to snuggle in the bed or the couch and talk and laugh and just hear allllllllll her many, many thoughts! Ask your children questions! It’s a great way to be present with them in the moment and show them they matter!
– Read books together, especially the Bible, and talk about the content together. I’m always trying to improve on this. Our favorite Bible is the Jesus Story Book Bible.
– Get on their level and carve out a set amount of time to play whatever they want.
– Set boundaries! Whatever that looks like in your house. It shows your kids you care even if they complain about them.
Friend, I hope it encourages you to know you are not alone in this journey. We all struggle and have major imperfections, but we also have a BIG love for our kiddos and want to foster that love in them so they can be world changers!
🌻 Rachael Moomey & The Help Club for Moms team
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