As the author notes, it's not always easy for us to mirror that response. Sometimes I go through trials that don't seem "fair". Here I am, doing my best and doing it for the Lord - so why am I suffering here? In those moments I do not hold to a "may it be to me as you have said" attitude. For that I repent of my lack of trust and turn to Jesus as my strength! After all, this baby that has been announced to Mary is not just for her. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6
And this Child belongs to all mankind. God feeds the whole world through a Babe nursing at Mary's breast. This must be our daily exercise: to be transformed into Christ, being nourished by this food. Then will the heart be suffused with all joy and will be strong and confident against every assault.
(Martin Luther's Christmas Book, pg 16)
I appreciate the author bringing it back to our parenting and encouraging us to teach our children to depend on God as our Life Support! If I am verbalizing my praise and dependance on the Good Shepherd, then I will be encouraging my children to do the same.
I recently had my 9 year old memorize Psalm 23. My hope is that these words stay on her heart and help her through life's storms! As a complement to this, we've been reading through a devotional book for kids on Psalm 23 that explains more about the habits of sheep and how shepherds care for them. Then we better understand the words of comfort found in the psalm and what they mean for us!
Mothering Like Mary
Sarah certainly has sound advise in her parenting encouragement! Maybe she owns some of the parenting books in my stack - haha! Or more likely, this isn't her first rodeo and she's caught onto a few gems of wisdom! When you use her advise, then you will have pleasant children;) (see what I did there?). I especially love her reminder to forgive where needed, even if it's me asking for the forgiveness! Mama needs it too!!
Ponder
How does spending time in God's word make a difference to your parenting? Um, where to start? Because it's just not my parenting that benefits, but my soul, my marriage, my overall handle on life and yes - my parenting. I am so often reminded through my role as a parent with children how it is with God - he's the parent and I'm the child. I can get so frustrated with my kids and then I think, "how frustrated must God get with me? I certainly give him plenty of reasons." And yet, how does he deal with me? He gives me his grace; his undeserved love. He's patient with me. He loves me. Knowing that - feeling that - makes me deal with my kids in a whole new light.
Praying with you, dear sisters!
2 comments:
In reference to "I am the Lords servant. May it be to me as you have said." During my parenting of children still at home I remember this verse being very meaningful to me and I actually wrote it out on a piece of paper and posted it on my frig door to be reminded of its importance throughout the day (and those evening hours, as well). Because those words still hold much meaning and especially now during a particular heavy-of-heart time in my life I am thinking now may be a good time to do the same. Just as Mary referred back to the angels words that God showed favor/grace to her I can also refer to that same promise to me. There were far too many times when my children and others around me witnessed my failure to act "favored" and servantlike in my attitude, words, and actions...not all that much has changed, I am afraid. Too many times I bulk at accepting my Lords servant status and rebel, not wanting to accept what He has said. Thanks be to God I have the Savior Jesus!
The question to ponder - Parenting books - helpful.. Parenting classes - informative. Parents advice and counsel - appreciated.
GODS WORD - PRICELESS,
Loving your idea to post this verse for the fridge! Every part of our Old Adam rebels against the very idea of being a servant - a dirty word. But when understood in the light of the gospel, what an opportunity our New Man has to glorify Christ in all we do!
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