It’s no secret. I’ve mentioned before how hard staying at home with my children is for me. It’s not like I hate staying home, or resent it…. in fact I choose to do it. I can’t imagine it any other way. I mostly like it, even through the hard. But the last seven years have been isolating and mind-numbing and patience-wearing. There are great moments of joy, but mostly it’s doing the mundane – the laundry, the dishes, the floors, and the hard – the disciplining, the training, the teaching. And, oh!, the whining. For pete’s sake, the whining alone is enough to kill a woman.
Recently in my prayer time God brought to me this verse: “Children are a gift from the Lord.” It convicted me. (Psalm 127:3 “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” NASB) It’s so easy to be restless in these days I’m pouring into little lives who don’t often show they care or understand my sacrifices. It’s easy to feel overworked and generally taken for granted. Because I am. That’s kindof part and partial of being a parent.
I thanked the Lord for the reminder that my children are gifts. My prayer changed…. instead of praying about Natalie’s seemingly constant state of worry, Ainsley’s back-talking, know-it-all attitude, and Ryan’s development, I thanked the Lord for my gifts.
The gift of Natalie’s responsible, mature attitude and her soft-heart toward the things of God. The way she loves her siblings and nurtures them. How she truly wants to make her mama happy and her daddy proud.
Ainsley’s cuddly spirit that reminds me it’s important to stop and hug and love on each other. How she sees the importance of relationships and not projects. She brings life into perspective, causing me to stop and smell the roses, not because it’s on my to-do list, but because it’s necessary and fun.
Ryan’s determination to keep going despite any obstacle life throws his way. I thanked God for ALL that Ryan brings. ALL of him…. his heart defect, his hospitalization. For without them, I wouldn’t have learned the importance of relying on God. I wouldn’t have come to the end of myself… unable to do anything, but rely. I wouldn’t have learned how much my husband loves me and supports me. I never would’ve given him the chance to show me. With the other two it’s easy to work my way in and out of situations, with Ryan’s illness, there’s no working at it. It’s only surrender. For that I’m truly grateful.
And it reminded me God gave us a gift in another child…. His only Son, Jesus. It is this child’s birth that we celebrate at Christmas. This gift that changes the story of life should we chose to accept it. Have you ever stopped to consider what His gift might mean for you?
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (4)
I know they are all such special gifts. You are blessed…and loved.
I think this is one of the best posts you have ever written Leighann. Such honesty… and such spiritual truths God has shown you. I am proud of you, and I always have been since I started reading your blog.
You have been through a lot…and learned so much through it all. You have shared all of it with us…and I have prayed for you all along this journey. And of course I pray for Ryan. He is precious. And so are Natalie and Ainsley. God is working His plan for each of you. And for your gentle giant. What a special family you are. (:>)
My daughter Lynnette and her family have suffered many hardships through their trials too…but they would not trade them for anything. God has taught them so much…and His presence has been with them each step of the way. My life has been changed because of our losses…and my husband came to Christ through some of them. Only God knows why these things happen. But we know we can trust Him with everything!
I love you,
Linda
I would have to agree with Linda…and I have read Lynette’s book…yes, she has been through so much. God has seen fit to do what He has done…to HIM be the glory forever! It is the challenges of life that makes us who we are and teaches, molds and matures us. God is so good.
What a great Post, thank you for making me (a stay at home mom) stop and think about what a wonderful blessing my 3 girls are. You are truly an inspration to me and to other moms.
Thank you
Very nice post.