Today's dare comes from an emotional tender spot in my heart. Let me see if I can find the right words to explain. This afternoon, my sweet nine year old daughter shared with me a little secret that let me know she is starting to grow up faster than I could have expected. By God's grace, I listened and responded with tenderness, even though my emotions were trying to get the best of me.
After we tucked the kids into bed, I finally had time to talk with my husband. My heart spilled out in every direction. I felt instantly overwhelmed as a mom, and unprepared to navigate the waters ahead. A wave of guilt overcame me, too, as the Lord allowed memories to rise to the surface. My daughter heard my tears, which we unsuccessfully tried to stifle behind the bathroom door -- so I let her into my heart.
I let down my wall that reads "Mommy has it all together!" and allowed her to come over to the other side -- "Mommy is really afraid of you making the same mistakes she made, and she loves you so much that she just doesn't know what to do but cry and pray!" I told her why I was crying. She sincerely listened, and shared her fears, too. I listened without giving advice. There was no lecture. Just quietness and prayers, before giving each other a huge hug good-night.
My husband keeps reminding me to listen, not talk. My dear friend keeps reminding me to pray, not try to control. And the Lord keeps reminding me to trust Him, and not worry. Tonight, I got a taste of the wisdom of all three, as I finally let my heart open up to my daughter.
My challenge, therefore, is for you to open up your heart to your children -- and spiritual children. Let down the wall, be real, listen, pray, and trust God with them and to equip you in this role.
Because of Him,
Click here to begin the
Mom, I Dare You, 28 Day Challenge!
or just jump right in today!
And don't forget to leave a comment to enter
the giveaway for the Starbuck's Gift card!
Mom, I Dare You, 28 Day Challenge!
or just jump right in today!
And don't forget to leave a comment to enter
the giveaway for the Starbuck's Gift card!
Posts
4 Comments:
Wow...that is so powerful! It makes me cry...May God bless you today!!
This is beautiful - and so necessary. I need to follow your husband and friend's advice, too! :)
I read this last night and it was late so I did not comment but I wanted to say how moved I was.
I could not have children due to a very early
hysterectomony but was blessed to be a pseudo Mum for many as they grew and faced some of their growing issues. They are such precious times.....and if we are to be real to them they need to see that we can be moved and also feel pain and to be able to share that......so bless you both
That is so sweet.
Post a Comment
I'm so glad you decided to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'd also love to follow up with you, so be sure to leave your email address or a link to your blog! If you'd like to contact me directly, just pop an email to Lisa at extragrace at gmail dot com.
Blessings, extravagantly,
Lisa