With a new baby in the house, we've been making a lot of "I see you in her eyes," and "Oh, that expression looks like so-and-so" observations. Lydia is transforming before our eyes. Each day her appearance is becoming more and more defined. We're excited to see what the end result will be.
All of our children look like Sommas. Some look more like Steve, some look more like me and a couple are perfect combos. But there are qualities and characteristics in each of them that tie them to our family. That make it clear that Steve and I are their parents.
Ultimately our prayer is that they resemble their Heavenly Father most of all. That people will see Jesus in our children, and not just when they are children, but for their whole lives. That they will have hearts of compassion, that they will stand for truth and righteousness, and that their words, attitudes and actions will direct others into relationship with Him.
Although I know God is Sovereign, I also know that much of this responsibility lies with Steve and I. God gave our children to us so that we would show them who He is.
What do my children see when they look at me? They certainly know my faults and my failures better than most, but when I make mistakes what do I do about it? Do they see me repent and ask for forgiveness? Or do I get away with bad attitudes and sometimes even bad behavior that I would never allow from them because I'm the mommy?
I cannot live a life of hypocrisy. My actions and behaviors must reflect Jesus to them. What I expect of them, I must also expect of myself. I am the example God gave them to follow. If I expect kind words from them, I must speak kindness. If I expect self control from them, I must be self-controlled. If I expect selflessness from them, I must be selfless. And on and on and on.
So often I find myself frustrated by my children's behavior and then realize they're acting just like me! It's too easy to get complacent at home. I get tired, let my hair down and it all hangs out. Sometimes it is not pretty. But home is where I need to be most on top of my game. I have lots of little eyes watching me. I have lots of little people acting like me. I have lots of little hearts mimicking mine.
When my children look at me, I long for them to say, "My mommy has Jesus' eyes. My mommy has Jesus' heart. My mommy loves me like she says Jesus loves me." Each and every day I want the qualities and characteristics in my life to look more like my Heavenly Father, so that my children too, will look more like Him.
5 comments:
Yes, it's very hard to react with kindness, when someone isn't kind first. Especially these days with what I'm going through with Becca...and my attitude hasn't been the best either. All I want to do is lash out. I feel for my children sometimes.....I'm being honest. I think it's a season, and I must get over whatever grief I have inside of me or holding on too. It's hard being "nice" when everyone isn't nice back. Davey is wonderful, my little boy keeps me going! I wake up in the morning and say, ok I'm gonna be happy today, and even if "this" happens, I will still act kindly and lovingly.....yeah right. But I have the control of my emotions, no one else does...I have to choose to be kind. Keep sharing, it's helping! Love ya1
Very well said...convicting...but good. I so relate to this right now with Sam -- it is a daily choice to respond like Jesus and all too often I fall short. Thanks for such an encouraging post!
I am with you on this. There are some days when I know I'm not at my best but I need to strive each day for Chris to see Jesus as the center of our marriage and our home. Thanks for sharing!!
It's amazing how we speak so nicely to "strangers" and yet can be so harsh with the ones we love! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful words. Thanks for the challenge!
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