Away in a Manger

Warning this blog may contain some oxymorons (ie...jumbo shrimp) I love my kids! They are so sweet, individually unique and so very frustrating! Sometimes I wonder why I am a mother at all...what do I have to contribute to their lives other than the things I hope they don't remember about me? Then I get it. God made them, he actually gave specific instructions (DNA) for their development and watched over them second by second as they were forming in my womb. He created something beautiful to enjoy, mold, foster and love. This isn't about me and how challenging it is to be a "good and happy" mommy. I have an important role in their lives rearing them to know Jesus, to love the qualities HE has, to seek to please HIM in all they do, to serve others in HIS name. My children have what I did not. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."Jeremiah 29:11-13 Oh how I wish I had known this when I was younger. Verse 14 goes on to say that the LORD will be found by me, and HE will bring me back from captivity! Isn't is wonderful? All we have to do is seek HIM friends and family! Peace, Joy, & Hope will abound. I don't know anyone who doesn't want those things. Those beauties of mine though they bring out the worst in me at times I have had no greater pleasure in life than growing in the LORD with them. Just when I think I'm not capable I walk in to find my girls replicating the manger scene. I realize then it is all about JESUS. I want them to know HIM! To grow up with HIM and to feel HIS love in our home. If I fail at everything else in life at least I have accomplished this.