living loved

Mamas, it is tough work raising our babies rooted in the love of Christ. We love them, praise them, and discipline them. We watch them have success, fail, and find success in failure. We watch them grow and mature but also make mistakes and act in immaturity and emotion. Raising children is an emotional rollercoaster.

And every once in a while, we get to experience a heartache with our child but also witness them rise above adversity, put into practice what we’ve been preaching, and let our hearts soar with pride in their hearts aligned with Jesus. In those moments, I think, Lord, this is what you feel when we walk in obedience, make the tough choices, and choose You – always.

Recently, I had to walk this with my son. Middle school is tough. Parenting a middle schooler is tougher. Protecting our hearts is the toughest of all. My son is a sensitive soul. He truly desires what is best. He loves fiercely and sticks up for what is right and best – even if it is at his own expense. Is he perfect? No. Does he mess up? Absolutely. Is he becoming a man after God’s own heart? I pray it every day. Is he learning through all the noise, adversity, and negativity? I think so because I got to experience this with him last week. He had to experience the realities of being a boy, being a middle school boy, and being a middle school boy who loves sports and competition. And while all of these things may seem trivial in our first world lifestyle, the lessons he is learning will shape him and mold him into God’s purpose for him.

His friend hurt his heart. His friend told him he wasn’t fast enough, big enough, good enough. My son heard that he wasn’t enough. And, unfortunately, this isn’t the first time. So, when we got in the car after a tough day, my son spilled his heart and tears into the car. And at the end of the healthy vent session, when he wanted to be angry and retaliate in anger, he said, ” _____ is lucky I love Jesus.” We both laughed but also recalled when my son was two and I made him recite Galatians 5:22 every day one summer about the fruits of the Spirit because he needed some self-control over his very big two-year-old emotions! He never forgot that verse, and he got to put it in action with love and forgiveness. He could have reacted to his friend’s words and actions but instead he chose self-control, grace, and forgiveness. He chose to remember what God says about him instead of the hurtful words of the world. And we, as parents, chose to let our son make tough choices and decisions about this friendship rather than guide and lead how our protective hearts wanted to respond.

Mamas, protect your sons and daughters, but protect them with the love and grace of God’s good and perfect word rather than the controlling nature of the world around us. Remember, our babies, other babies, and all God’s children are constantly watching and listening. We may suffer for a little while but He will strengthen, perfect, and establish us in His good and perfect grace.

XOXO, Loni