Really Proud..And, Trying to Stay Humble

The past week was an AWESOME week for our kids.  Each of them shined in their own unique way, and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I am so very proud of them!  Just a glimpse at their tremendous accomplishments:

• Isaac is Student of the Month.  It was awesome to sit in the Student of the Month Breakfast on Wednesday morning and hear about Isaac's accomplishments both academically as well as socially.  Brian and I glowed with that "we-really-are-great-parents-with-a-super-great-kid" glow for the entire day.  It isn't very often you catch a glimpse into your kid's world and see that they are the respectful, intelligent young person you pray for them to be.
• Emma and Hannah were stars in our community production of Cinderella.  Both of the girls had one week to learn their lines, dance moves and stage cues for two shows over the weekend.  It was awesome to see them rise up to such a huge challenge and juggle it along with their regular weekly schedule.  And, the show was terrific!  Again, Brian and I glowed with the "we-really-are-great-parents-with-super-great-kids" glow for the entire weekend.  What a priveledge to watch our girls use their God-given talents in such a fun and entertaining way!
• Jayden had our neighbor over for a play-date on Wednesday afternoon.  His friend is 4 1/2 and a girl.  This may be a hurdle for other active boys, but not Mr. Jay.  He took his little friend alongside of him and was more than willing to play whatever she wanted to play.  It was awesome to watch him be so loving and caring to make her happy!  He was disappointed when she had to go home, and Jay has already started planning their next afternoon of fun.  Brian and I glowed with the "we-really-are-great-parents-with-a-super-loving-kid" glow for the rest of the day.  It was a joy to see God's love pour out of Jayden for his friend!

As I basked in the glow of such a wonderful week, I began to realize that I was on some level taking the credit for these awesome kids.  Thoughts like:  "All my mothering lectures sure are paying off!"; "Clearly, all those home-cooked meals have given them the nutrition they needed to be such excellent kids."; "Our family meetings really are helping instill Christian values in their lives."; and "This new detergent really does change lives!  Thank, God, for Tide!"  And, while all of these thoughts may hold some fragment of truth, I have come to realize that I do myself (and our family) a huge disservice if I actually buy into this line of thinking.

The reality remains that if I take credit for my children's good things, then I must also be ready to accept the blame for their bad things.  For as much as I am responsible for their good choices and actions, I am also accountable for their bad.  I accept that Brian and I can set a tone for success or failure for our children's lives.  I admit that my attitude will and can influence theirs.  However, after all the lectures are said, attitudes checked and laundry done, my children have their own free-will.  They have the choice to succeed or fail.  They have the freedom to live up to our expectations or not. 

So, I choose to give credit where credit is due.  I am thanking God for sharing these four beautiful, talented, intelligent and gifted children with me.  I consider it an honor to be a part of the adventure of raising them.  It is a challenge that I don't take lightly as I try to teach, mold and encourage the way that a mother should.  And, in recognizing that it is God who should receive glory for their good days, I can also share with God the frustration, tears and sorrow that comes with their bad days.  It is good to know that I am not on the front lines of the parenting battle by myself.  I come equipped with a rather large arsonnel (aka Holy Spirit, God, Jesus Christ, etc.).

And, so it is that I begin today with this prayer:

Father God,

Thank you for these children.

Thank you for the gifts of their laughter, talents and joy.

Please help me to teach them the way that you desire

so that I may raise them to be the men and women you have called them to be.

Help me always to remember that these children are yours, and I am blessed

to simply be along for this adventure called life.

Amen.