Psalm 127:3 says "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." This boy - this little boy that God has given to me for a short time - is my reward. Some days are so rewarding. And then there are days when the sacrifice and patience that it takes to train him does not feel like much of a reward and I am reminded - God is not just doing a work in this little boys life - but he is using this little boy to do a work in my life.
Through my parenting challenges and hurdles God has drawn me closer to Him as I have sought Him in prayer and in His word. God has used this boy to teach me. As I look at Alexander, I see a mirror - so many of his flaws are partly my own flaws. I tell him to be patient with his sister - while I am impatient with him. I tell him to use self-control while steam is pouring out my own ears. But each year as he grows one year older - I notice that I also have grown one year older. As he matures, I mature. Together we are growing in our walk with the Lord and becoming more like Christ as God reveals our flaws through the flow of family life.
Alexander is the perfect child for me. God created him in my womb and placed him into our family because God knew that this is the child that we needed for his glory. And we are so thankful for him.
Happy 6th Birthday Zander - You are my favorite little boy in the whole world!
Walk with the King!
http://www.womenlivingwell.org/
Awww..*tear*
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder that our children are always a blessing even on the rough days!
ReplyDeleteAnd may I encourage you to continue to bath their little lives in prayer! Parenting only gets harder as they get older. It seems like Ronnie was turning six just yesterday and by the fall he will be in junior high and wow have the difficult questions been coming.
You are a real encouragement Courtney and I appreciate the time you take to blog and remind us all of our blessings! Thanks!
Happy Birthday, Zander! This was beautifully written and very encouraging, Courtney. I think as moms we can all relate to this. Our children really are our best teachers and they certainly humble us, that's for sure! Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what the next year will bring! And you are right Kristin - we must pray. I prayed a long thorough prayer for my buddy this morning! And I will faithfully pray for this boy until the day I die!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes - the humbling factor has been HUGE! I had no idea how humbling motherhood would be - but the Lord knows - I needed it! I am so thankful for it!
I read this blog out loud to Alex this morning and he was grinning ear to ear! Such a cutie!
He is precious!! I once heard someone say that having children is like seeing your own sin run around on two legs! So true...
ReplyDeleteIt's so true isn't it! Great Post. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThat was so sweet! Happy birthday Zander=) I remember when he was a newborn...seems like just yesterday.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! My firstborn will be 5 next Wednesday, and I couldn't agree with you more. I love what Kristi shared about "seeing your own sin run around on two legs" - that's us all over! Hope you have a great day celebrating with your little guy. :)
ReplyDeleteoh that was sooo sweet!!He really is growing up so well and becoming more and more handsome!! Thanks for sharing!Happy Birthday Zander!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys for all the warm wishes! Your so sweet!
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