Excerpted from my blog post at Incourage, it goes along with this week’s teaching because changing our perspective involves trust.
Cheek to cheek, my eight-month-old grandson, Josiah, and I dance in the pool. When his feet dip in the cold water he sucks in his breath and scrunches his face to cry. I pull him close and he smiles. We dance again.
Somehow my presence is enough, in spite of his fear.
Years ago when I was a young mom, I was afraid.
Afraid that I’d mess up the role of motherhood.
Afraid I’d never get it right.
Afraid that I had been so damaged that, like a banged up old suitcase, I’d carry the clutter of my chaotic childhood into the lives of my babies.
There were times I sat on the floor with a child in my arms, tears brimming as I rocked and prayed.
God, this is hard. Lord, how can I be a good mom if no one showed me how? I’m so afraid I’ll mess this up.
One day these words whispered somewhere deep in response.
Do it afraid, Suzie. {Read the rest of this at Incourage. . .}
Today’s study:
- Read the rest of today’s blog post at Incourage.
Q: What fears do you have about motherhood?
Q: In what way do you feel ill equipped?
Q: Read Jeremiah 17:7-8. Put your name in the verse. “Blessed is {your name} who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. {Your name} is like a tree. . .
Read that out loud. Write it down in your journal. Stake it as your promise.
Q: Where will you place your trust today? How will that shift your perspective from you to Him?
So often my husband and I refer to each other as Lewis and Clark. Like the two famous explorers, we are making our way through uncharted territory in creating a healthy marriage and family. Neither of us had a stellar example, but we try to celebrate our successes and remind each other that we are entitled to a few mistakes.
…and promise to pay for either college or therapy, whichever our kids should choose!