So I am sort of having a "parenting revelation" week this week. At first I was feeling sorry for myself....but then God kicked me in the butt. So what has Emma been teaching me you ask...patience AND I am the adult! As Emma grows and develops she is becoming a sweet independent little girl. I love it. But, she is learning her free will and how to say what she wants when she wants it. I am sure any experienced parent would say....well Miss Emily...YOU HAVE A TYPICAL 19 MONTH OLD ON YOUR HANDS...but to me, this is all new...and I have a lot of learning to do. I need to learn patience. What am I teaching Emma when she sees me get frustrated so fast? I am teaching her that getting frustrated is okay....and it is not! Hello!! I am the adult. Emma is the child. I need to set the example that I expect her to follow. She is teaching me patience.
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Colossians 3:12-13 (New International Version)
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
1 Timothy 1:15-17 (New International Version)
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners——of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
So you may be wondering what the kick in the butt from God was. Well, last night I was putting Emma to bed. She had fallen asleep in my lap and I was praying for her as I do every night....and I just began to weep. Looking at her sweet, innocent face. My sweet little girl. I could be so short with her sometimes...have a really short fuse**...but she still runs to me. Even if I was the one to make her sad. I am so undeserving of the love she has for me. The natural mama love of a child. God was showing me that she is my blessing and treasure and He has given her to me. He has given me her to raise her to know Him and love Him. It is hard being a parent...questioning everything you do. But if you just slow down, take a breath and hold your baby...it is all so clear. They are the clay and we are the potter. They are ours to mold and sculpt and love. Emma is in my hands and I am building that foundation for the rest of her life. I need to remember...I am the potter.
Thank you, sweet baby, for teaching me patience. I promise to have more patience with you!
Mama loves you
**I am coming back to edit and add this side note. While I have the short fuse, Tim has the never-ending long fuse. He is so amazing with Emma. When I am done, he swoops in and picks her up and makes her happy. EVERY single time. I have NEVER seen him upset with her...ever! It is quite amazing I must say. God knew exactly what He was doing when He got Tim and I together...for many reasons...but He knew we would compliment each other in our parenting rolls. I love you too....my Timmer!
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2 comments:
Wow Emily... and God just used YOU as a tool to help me out today. I struggled all night last night with my lack of patience and then my guilt over my lack of patience. And I log on this morning to read your blog and I feel as though God is telling me to take a deep breathe and relax... THANK YOU. :)
I guess it's safe to say that we are all experiencing the typical toddler when they start expressing themselves and trying to show us who is boss. :)
Emily, Thanks for this post! You always seem to know the right things to say at the right times! Little Miss Kyra is definitely exercising her new talent for independence lately! God has definitely brought you into my life for a reason! IRL or not! :)
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