Our family rarely gets sick. I'm so thankful-- because in a family of 7, you'd think we would be sick all the time! However, when one of us falls ill, especially with a stomach bug, our entire family often goes down HARD. You may recall that week before and after the birth of Number 5. As a result, there is a bit of fear among the older boys when the beginnings of a virus starts making its way through our family. I can see it in their faces. I sense it in their questions. They are worrying.
And, how can I blame them...as one lies in bed, waiting for the other's tummy trouble on the bottom bunk to take its toll and rush his brother to the restroom. What is a boy to do but to worry about catching the virus, about the sleeplessness, the pain, the canceling of fun activities, the being quarantined? I speak words of comfort and reminder to my boys, but inside, I know that I'm preaching to myself as well:
- We are in the Lord's hands.
- "When I am afraid, I will trust in You..." (Psalm 56:3)
- We have so much to be grateful for...being sick is such a small trial compared to other things we could be going through.
- "Cast your cares on the Lord. He will sustain you..." (Psalm 55:22)
- God uses every ailment, great or small, to draw us to Himself.
- "Be anxious for nothing..." (Philippians 4:6)
Mothers are not those who have arrived. We do not teach our children from a place of perfected wisdom and unshakeable faith. Motherhood is a perpetual offering of our weakness and inadequacies in exchange for God's enabling and transformation.
He does the work in us as He does the work through us.
So, friends, boldly encourage your children in the very things you feel you have not yet overcome, yourself. Speak truth to them when you, too, are fearful. Paint the portrait of the Cross for them when you are tempted to only see your anxieties. God is transforming you while He's transforming them.
Now let's link up in community...
Welcome to GraceLaced Mondays, a link up dedicated to sharing any and all blog posts by like-minded lovers of grace--God's grace! Grace is found in the everyday when you are intentional about taking note of it...and I invite you to share your story, great or small, of how everyday moments are full of Grace.
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