It’s been said that if one prays for patience he/she better be ready to go through (or is it grow through?) some trying times.? Back in the early days of my marriage, I prayed for patience….God gave me 5 children!!? This past week we’ve been learning more about patience as we await the official final word of the Ford Fiesta Contest.? A 100 winners will be chosen to be Fiesta Agents for 6 months, going on one monthly special secret assignment.? The winners will get to use the Fiesta , free fuel and insurance, too!? My husband submitted his video entry several days ago now and we expectantly await news.? We naturally think his video was one of the best and he would be an asset to the team of Agents.? My husband actually compared this week to being in labor and giving birth……….hmmm…………I don’t think he really knows what we womenfolk go through in our labors and deliveries.? But, it’s a good analogy and I hope the birth is soon!
Could this be God’s provision for our auto needs til Fall?!? We hope so!
Last Fall I had one of my older daughters say she felt like she grew up under a rock.? I was not offended at all, but it gave me some food for thought.? Alot of things ran through my mind.? “What does she mean by that?”? “Is she unhappy with her life?”
I told her that under God, my husband and I prayed for guidance as we raised our children (and still do).? I rest in the truth of His sovereign plan for His children.? We come before His throne daily to ask for help and direction.
Then, I started thinking, growing up under a rock isn’t so bad, really.? Years ago when my son still lived home, he would go outside with his youngest sister and together they would look under rocks.? To them, there was a treasure trove of life wiggling around under most rocks.? There were worms, and pillow bugs (curly bugs), moisture, and many other living things under the rocks.? So much so, they would sometimes run in the house and tell us of all the wonderful things under the rocks!
As we go through life and raise children, we offer them shelter, food, water, protection, provision, prayer, guidance.? We purpose to shield our children from many of the external influences that can creep in.? Much of that protection is intentional.? In a Christ-centered home, we take time to instruct in the ways of God, read Scripture, memorize passages/verses, pray together.? Many seeds of truth are planted and watered.? We gradually let go of our children and allow them to make more and more of their decisions.? With God’s help, much fruit results.
Under the solid Rock of Christ, much growth occurs.
Just in case one of your children tells you, “I grew up under a rock,” simply sigh and give Him thanks for the guidance and blessing He has given.? After all, there’s lots of life under rocks, usually.
I am blessed to be married to Doug? who wrote this song.? Spread the word!
Yes, our home is a flurry of activity as we prepare for another child to be married – this time, a daughter.? Being a traditional family, we are putting on the event, and with great joy!? We are preparing to release our daughter, in a sense, giving the responsibility of protection and provision to her beloved.
So what advice would I give to a family with lots of children, especially several daughters?? Since some have asked, I would say to begin the conversation now, between husband and wife, regarding courtship (what is it?), budget, expectations and more.?? Some have lumped dating and courtship together.? But the big difference is that a man and a woman in a courtship are heading towards marriage.? Dating, however, seems to imply a lack of commitment.? Yes, some who “date around” end up marrying that one, but dating around can leave great wounds.
Why talk about the budget when your children are young or teens?? Because this is a big issue.? We know folks who have gone into debt to put on their child’s wedding.? We know folks who spent $40,000 on the wedding only to be divorced a couple years later.? A wedding is a wonderful celebration, but it can be lovely and memorable even on a modest budget.? So, set a budget now, while you are thinking clearly, and when the time comes, make every effort to stick to it.? Pray, be creative, do some research.
In our case, our daughter wanted lots of guests, 100’s in fact.? So, the sit down dinner option was nixed.? But we will have delicious food for the guests:? fruits, vegeys, crackers, cheeses, shrimp, desserts, hors de voures, etc.? The setting is our home church for the ceremony and reception.? Since children are very important to the bride to be the wedding party includes 2 ring bearers and 4 flower girls, in addition to 7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen, ushers, musicians, and 2 ministers presiding.
This is also a time to let go……….to realize that the couple is establishing a new home.? It’s time to say, “I’ve raised you and love you and will continue to love you.? But if you want advice from now on, you will need to come to me and ask.”? That can be a very hard thing to grasp for a parent, especially a controlling parent.? But do you really want to treat your 20 something child like he/she still has a diaper on?? Cut the apron strings, in fact, start to loosen them little by little as the years roll on from ages, let’s say 1 , until the late teens.
Rejoice with us at this time!!