Mommy Musing | Be Gentle

He will tend his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs in his arms;

he will carry them in his bosom,

and gently lead those that are with young.

(Isa 40:11)

I have been a mother for three and a half years. In the course of that time my life has felt like it is in a state of upheaval, with steep learning curves followed by wonderful aha! moments when I've gotten it right. "It" being some form of parenting that worked for the situation. 

I feel daily more confident in my role as a mother, but that confidence has not come from the bombardment of information and opinions on parenting, or, to throw down one giant blanket, Google. 

I deeply appreciate every one who has informed me of the parenting techniques that worked for them, but I often felt beat up by the sense that I was "failing," when those methods didn't work for my kids. Heck, my baby still doesn't sleep through the night and since I have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, my toddler is being pre-schooled by me. I could get down on myself for not giving them the "right" opportunities but instead I am reminded of the above scripture. 

God gently leads me. God is not sitting up in heaven with a gigantic list of requirements that guarantee my kids will succeed in life. He guides me with wisdom when I seek it, He reminds me that my greatest task is to teach my children to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul and mind and to love their neighbour as themselves.

Sigh of relief.

 I can do that. I can point out the beauty of creation that points to their Creator, I can speak the scriptures I love into their lives, I can fill our house with songs of praise, I can love my neighbours.

And I think my kids are pretty happy : )