Riches Beyond Measure

I am a rich woman. Rich, because I am beginning to receive and understand the depths of His great love.

I am also rich because I have 3 wonderful kids who bring me so much joy. (and heartaches too!)
I often chat with mom's who are in the early years of parenting. I remember those days so well. Due to having a handicapped child, I have had the blessing of changing diapers for over 19 years. God has just released me from that responsibility and I am truly grateful!!

My oldest will be 20 years old in a few weeks, and I have been reminiscing about my journey with her. So many times when she was young, I felt like I was not able to give her the time she deserved. Due to her sister being very ill, and severely handicapped, my time was allotted differently than I had dreamed of in being a mom.
I would often worry how she would "turn out". I used to pray and ask God to make up for the lost time, or send someone to help pour into her.

He heard my cry and, He never let me down.

Although I was not always able to see with my natural eyes, He was working.

Today I often look at her and I am amazed. Amazed that she is my offspring. I am amazed how God stepped in and covered every little detail, and even more amazed at the beauty of Jesus that is reflected in her life.
Although she had to be exposed to many difficult situations as a young child, God met her at each one. I had to learn to let go of her, and place her in the the Father's hands. She in turn eventually learned to go to God to help her solve her problems and deal with her issues. I am only a secondary parent. God is her perfect Father.

Yesterday Alyssa made me a card. She carefully plucked all the petals from 2 daisies that were in an arrangement that she bought for me. She intricately glued them to the homemade card, and wrote scriptures and words of encouragement just for me! I was overwhelmed at the detail and the accuracy of the words that she expressed to me.
This is the scripture she wrote in it found in Phil. 3:12-14

I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

She reminded me that even though I have days where I struggle... when she sees me going to Jesus (with all my faults), she has hope. Hope that I am choosing to allow God to break strongholds, and hope for greater freedom for her. This makes me want to keep pressing on, knowing that all I learn in Christ WILL bear fruit in my children.

To all the mom's who are weary, or discouraged or worried. Remember that despite your greatest efforts, or your greatest failures........... He is there with you, watching over your children. He is guiding them and you. He will not leave you, or forsake you, even when you miss the mark.

Ps 27:10

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.

If you are overwhelmed with the daunting task of parenting...... ask Him to step in and make up for lost time. He is the restorer of all things. He can do what no one else can, not the greatest parenting book, or even Super Nanny.