Love In Simplicity and a Reality Slap

What's the one thing that we as parents desire the most for our children to understand?

Society tells us a college degree, health, beauty, money, success, are the important achievements to be made.

For me, it's summed up in one word. Love.
One of my biggest downfalls as a parent is the guilt that dominates my thoughts. I haven't done enough, I yelled to much today, I haven't spent enough time with them, the last thing I yelled said to them tonight before they went to sleep was, "stop the I love-you-good-nights, that's enough, go to sleep, I have already said it ten times."

The guilt is there and I suppose it always will be in some way, but I love when reality slaps me in the face. The moments that tell me that my kids get it. They understand what it means to love. Better than I do, because they understand it in its simplicity. They teach me and remind me what love looks like.

Mark 10:13-16

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

It's the small things. The merciful act of giving up the last bite of cake, the sweet, "are you okay," when one of them gets hurt, the loving hug that is given for no reason at all.

On our camping adventure this last weekend, Matty fell. We thought he just bruised his arm, but it turns out it's a bit more than that. I took him to the hospital on Sunday night. He has fluid built up around his little elbow and possibly has a fracture. We go Wednesday to an orthopedic for full x-rays. He has it in a splint and sling for now. I really hope we are not looking at a cast for the summer.

I watched as my children loved, cared for and doted on Matthew. He was milking it for sure with the numerous requests made and his pouty lip in play, but his brother and sisters were happy to do it. They were given an opportunity to love and ran with it.

My heart is so blessed when I see love in action through my children. By God's grace they get it. When I start to feel the guilt build up, God gives me a precious moment and a reality check. I may fail, but He has it covered!

Ephesians 3:17-19

that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.