Part of the joy in having children is watching them grow into “people” as they learn and experience different aspects of life. With each new venture, life springs up in them, excitement infuses their little bodies.
The seasons bring opportunities to try new sports as spring turns to softball, summer to swimming, fall to soccer and winter to basketball.
One child may find their niche quickly, staying focused on that one love. Another child may meander from one to another, not quite sure where their talent lies.
Every opportunity given presents them with an experience to explore themselves and meet new people. Thus becoming more of who they are meant to be.
This growing up of our children also brought growth in my own life. The journey of parenthood brought change through the joys, the frustrations, the laughter and the tears. I am not the same woman I was when my first child came into this world.
This molding of both parent and child, separately and uniquely while at the same time, can often be challenging. Even as “Mimi”, I am still growing, learning and changing.
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” (Romans 12:6, NLT)
Each one of us has different bents and talents. We each need to do what we have been called to do and do it well. And so today I pray …
Dear Lord, May I never forget that You are the giver of gifts. Bless my children and grandchildren as their talents develop. Help each one to be able to know their talents and in so knowing, be confident of that which You have given. Give them patience and understanding to develop their gifts. May they not grow weary as they strive to use their talents well. May each failure or setback not bring discouragement. May each milestone or success bring a healthy desire to grow more and to use their talent for Your glory alone. In your name I pray, amen.
Today I am joining … Playdates With God and #SmallWonder and Sharing His Beauty and Inspire Me Monday and #WordsWithWinter .
Hi Joanne!
I am your neighbor today on Me, Coffee, and Jesus. I can so identify with what you wrote as a mother of two adults and six incredible grandchildren. Each season there are new lessons to learn and new surprises and discoveries to make. I retired a year and a half ago and felt like I finally had time to do some of the writing I had always enjoyed, but rarely had time to do. In May 2015 as a result of a Writers Boot Camp, I started my website and blog and what a wonderful new adventure it has been.
Blessings on your day!
Pam
It is now the season for you to write, Pam! How wonderful that He has opened the way for you to do so. Many blessings as you go through this adventure!
This is why I love that verse, “Train up a child *in the way they should go*…” Each of my children is so different, and required very different methods of raising and discipline. Still today, as adults, they are vastly different. I also think it’s so important to observe and listen in order to hear and see what their gifts and talents are and to nurture those. Children are so impressionable-let’s not squash their dreams!
Mary, such wisdom you have shared. We need to nurture the differences so as to not squash their dreams. Thank you for adding Proverbs 22:6 too.
Wonderful and thoughtful prayer for children!
Thank you, Alice. Our future generations & legacy is dependent on our prayers.
Oh how I understand and relate to your words today. I was just telling someone that it is good as a parent that children start as babies and grow gradually. I found out quickly that I had so much to learn that caused my own growth over the years. I love seeing how my sons are similar yet so different because of how God chose to wire them and display their gifts. It is a beautiful thing. Thank you for your words this morning.
Mary, I am so with you on this. I am so grateful that my children grew me up in a sense as I grew them up. I am also grateful the Lord gave me wisdom which I did not possess to handle them differently. Parenthood is one of the most amazing journeys I have had in my life. Grateful you stopped here!
This is right where I’m at. I have a twenty-year-old and a seventeen and a fifteen and the joy I’ve been feeling while seeing who they’re becoming is amazing. OK, let’s be real, it’s also slightly terrifying, but God just continues to bless! Thanks for your great words today!
(stopping by from Inspire Me Monday)
Carol, I will heartily agree that it is not only slightly terrifying but very terrifying 🙂 There were many times fear would try to overtake me. Parenthood, particularly the young adult and teen years, is not for the faint of heart. Our God will give you all you need!