Our family rarely gets sick. I’m so thankful– because in a family of 7, you’d think we would be sick all the time! However, when one of us falls ill, especially with a stomach bug, our entire family often goes down HARD. You may recall that week before and after the birth of Number 5. As a result, there is a bit of fear among the older boys when the beginnings of a virus starts making its way through our family. I can see it in their faces. I sense it in their questions. They are worrying.
And, how can I blame them…as one lies in bed, waiting for the other’s tummy trouble on the bottom bunk to take its toll and rush his brother to the restroom. What is a boy to do but to worry about catching the virus, about the sleeplessness, the pain, the canceling of fun activities, the being quarantined? I speak words of comfort and reminder to my boys, but inside, I know that I’m preaching to myself as well:
- We are in the Lord’s hands.
- “When I am afraid, I will trust in You…” (Psalm 56:3)
- We have so much to be grateful for…being sick is such a small trial compared to other things we could be going through.
- “Cast your cares on the Lord. He will sustain you…” (Psalm 55:22)
- God uses every ailment, great or small, to draw us to Himself.
- “Be anxious for nothing…” (Philippians 4:6)
Mothers are not those who have arrived. We do not teach our children from a place of perfected wisdom and unshakeable faith. Motherhood is a perpetual offering of our weakness and inadequacies in exchange for God’s enabling and transformation.
He does the work in us as He does the work through us.
So, friends, boldly encourage your children in the very things you feel you have not yet overcome, yourself. Speak truth to them when you, too, are fearful. Paint the portrait of the Cross for them when you are tempted to only see your anxieties. God is transforming you while He’s transforming them.
Now let’s link up in community…
Welcome to GraceLaced Mondays, a link up dedicated to sharing any and all blog posts by like-minded lovers of grace–God’s grace! Grace is found in the everyday when you are intentional about taking note of it…and I invite you to share your story, great or small, of how everyday moments are full of Grace.
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It’s so true. I don’t have it all figured out. I have to trust and rely on Him as we journey in faith together. I’ve seen my own worries etched in my child’s face. So thankful for grace!
Amen….praise God He is sovereign in our kids’ lives!
I love this, Ruth. I mean, of course I’m so sorry you’re little family has been sick! But I love your word to us mamas to keep teaching truth, even when we haven’t got it all figured out yet. Because we are most definitely a work in progress. Appreciate your words today. Pray everyone is well soon!
blessings,
lauren
Thanks for the encouragement, Lauren.!
Did you really just have a tummy bug in your family? Sam and I both had it at the same time this weekend and literally were thinking on your family “Think, if the Simon’s can take turns being sick while caring for their boys, we can get through this!” Thanks for the perspective. We were graced with much of it this weekend and the ability to see God’s grace in our home and marraige through the trial. Hope you’re feeling well again soon! xo
I’m sorry you all had it too! It is hard to be sick parents caring for a little one.
Praying you all are on your way to full recovery!
May you all be feeling better very soon! Praise God that His perfect love casts out all fear. Thanks for the great post & for hosting, & God bless!
Thank you…and thanks for linking up, Laurie!
I hate it when my children pick up on my emotions and follow suit. It’s good to know that I can set a good example, too, along the way!
I know, Tereasa…I, too, notice when my kids emulate my attitude in a bad way….and praise God we can also mold them by our obedient attitudes too!
Thanks for sharing. We just went through some illness here (my youngest had a fever and a bad cough for a week and I didn’t my oldest to catch it) so this hit home.
Oh, Bonnie…I feel your pain…and pray that you all will recover soon and take the time to rest.
Walking through trying times under the eyes of others, especially our children, makes it all the more important to find Christ and and His grace in all of it. I relate to so much of what you have written about lately. And I find hope and encouragement here. It helps. Just the knowing I am not alone. Thank you for sharing. You have blessed me! Hugs to you!
It blesses me to hear from you, Dawn. Thank you for your encouragement…I’m honored to be a part of your encouragement and to be walking the “journey” with you.
These are great words. There are so many things that I do not want my children to inherit from me, but I do hope that as I become better at turning to scripture and prayer, that those actions become second nature to them.
I so want this too, Mikah…and recognize how it must be second nature in me first if I am to model it for my children! May God help us in this high calling!