You see, I'm very thankful for our baby boy. And I love him. I'm excited to welcome him into our world, see him grow, and invest in him! But I don't want to lose sight of my primary calling as Eric's wife. By God's grace, I won't lose sight, overall. Though, I know I'll fall short at times.
In Psalm 127: 3,4 it says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth." I never thought very hard about those verses, except to think..."yes, children are a blessing". I was reading this study recently though that focused in on the metaphor of children as arrows in the hand of a warrior. This idea that eventually, our children will "leave" to fulfill the purposes that God intends for them. The idea that the husband-wife relationship is one that is to never change in essence (yes, you grow closer, but there is no leaving), but the parent-child relationship is bound to change eventually (they leave!). I can only fathom how difficult this may be as a parent. But I pray that I would have that open hand to the Lord with my child. That I would be faithful in raising him in the Lord, and encourage him to grow up as a man.
A friend/mentor of mine has 2 sons that are grown up now (my age), have married, and starting to have kids. It's been so encouraging and convicting for me to hear her say that "her time" as their advisor has passed. She is more than happy to give her wisdom if it's asked for, but she recognizes it's no longer her place to call him to "obedience". He has left and cleft to his wife. He is a man. And my friend, though not perfect, accepts this and embraces it. She rejoices in his manhood. I truly hope and pray for the same for myself as a mother. As a friend, I already have overprotective tendencies that I need to fight...so wow! It really is a wonderful act of trust in God's will and sovereignty!
Those have been my most recent thoughts on parenthood...
God give us grace!
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