"Mom, can you help me? I don't know how a do this," he says, tiny hands holding two halves of a blue plastic game board. Imploring eyes and a sweet round face melt me instantly.
"I'd love to!" I smile, getting down on his level. I kiss his soft face, and slide together the blue plastic frame of an ice cube game.
They grow up so fast, these kids, huh?
This week, I waited in an echoey church hall after a graduation meeting for my senior. The class of 2013 voted on announcement styles, ceremony emcees, and slide show music. I texted my son for his votes, as he sat through a work meeting half an hour away.
In five months he'll walk a stage, flip silver tassels, and receive a rolled-up diploma.
Over coffee and a cheese danish this week, I discovered parenting advice from two thousand years ago that resonated with me.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously and without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Like my four year old, humbly holding out two plastic game pieces; to my eldest filling out college and job forms; to me, holding out humble hands to my Abba/Daddy.
Abba, please give me wisdom today, this week, this month, as I raise my kids, love my man, and strive to be a woman after your heart.
You? Anything on your heart? Need wisdom or a flash of light?
And our Papa? He melts to hear you ask that, scooping down to cup your face, kiss your soft cheeks, and slide those pieces together.
Linking with Imperfect Prose.
Photo credit.
34 comments:
Jennifer, being a parent requires such a reliance on our Abba's wisdom. I'm thankful that He is so generous with His guidance.
I had fun tonight strolling through your site. Thanks for visiting Mary @ Woman to Woman!
Blessings to you ~ Mary
I am noticing that they do grow up so fast. I bet you feel that even more then I do.
I do have to say though...I am not as loving as you are with that "break the ice" game. I hate setting that thing up. Way to make a game that makes the parents have to set it up EVERY time. hahahhah
Oh my, Jen. How I miss being here and be blessed by your analogies.
I so love that-being scoop down and being pampered by Abba.
I know I shall never outgrow that, not until He perfects me home.
Bless you as you shine for your kids and they for you.
Jennifer, it's such a gift to meet you! I think we're clinging to the same ancient parenting advice! If I had a dollar for every time I've cried out for wisdom in this parenting journey, I could pay for all five kids' college education :) I feel your "stretch"- as you parent in so many seasons. My oldest is an 8th grader, choosing his high school classes this week and my heart just flip flops as we talk about the "last four years" of school. And then my "baby" is four- still begging for help with fingerpaints and Polly Pockets. Joy and challenge in all seasons. BLessings to you!
They do grow up too fast. My oldest two are fixing to graduate from college and one of them is already married! My baby is graduating from high school. I learned a hard lesson with my first two. They are literally here one day and gone the next. What has been your normal life changes the instant they drive off for college. That is why I am enjoying every moment of every day with my baby here with me. I thank the Lord for sweet moments like when he puts his stubbly chin on my shoulder. Children are a gift from God.
Thank you so much for the lovely reminder. <3
Please forgive me for being such a buffoon, but I could use some wisdom as to how to eat like you and not be fat. Cheese danish?? Are you kidding me? Maybe when you get down on the floor with your youngest, you get back up and back down about 50 times. . .
I have a graduating senior this year, also. Praying for wisdom on all fronts.
Your blog is wonderful and very beautiful, congratulations. Kisses from Spain.
Beautiful, Jennifer! Praise God that He is delighted to give wisdom to His children -- all we have to do is ask!
God bless,
Laurie
Hi Jennifer
I am a bit late returning your visit from Imperfect Prose, but better late than never. Yes, dear one, it is good to rely on our Pappa's wisdom. And usually it is laced with so much common sense.
Much love
Mia
Love it! My Abba Daddy is always sliding those pieces together for me! Congrats on having a Senior... what a blessing to be at the "end" of that part of your journey with him.
It's easy to forget He sees us this way. Easier to see Him as less than a perfect Father or as an earthly father. But He is so much more. Thanks for the gentle reminder :)
yes, this growing fast, this holding on to the open and humble asking for help. in rapid daily life this is a great reminder.
Yes, indeed, they do grow up fast, Jennifer. And even when they're adults, we still need to look to God for wisdom in how to handle certain situations and in how to relate to them as independent adults.
By the way, I got a chance to have lunch with my friend this past week. Was so good to spend time with her and get caught up. Did our hearts good!
So many times I've cried out for this same thing, Lord please give me wisdom to deal to raise these two kids. Being a parent requires so much more than I am alone, I need His portion, otherwise I would be bone dry.
Parenting is the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most rewarding :)
I love how you put this so simply. God is right here, available, and ready. Thanks dear woman! ~ Blessings from Maine today, Amy
Mary,
Glad to have you here too. Thanks.
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Liz at House of Mills,
Laughing with you. :) Yes, that game does take a little bit to set up. He just figured out how to do the ice cubes himself, though. That's impressive too.
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Lolita,
Glad to have you here, friend in Cebu. :)
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Alicia,
Nice to meet you! Thanks for stopping by. Five kids, 8th grade and under.... what fun! :) Those last four years of high school will go by so fast too. Wow. My senior is finishing up his last semester home with us and I am getting sentimental. I have an 8th grader like you too, and my youngest is four years old too. Fun.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
Jayne,
Savoring those last moments... oh, I get it. :) Hug that senior tight.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Thank you, Daisy Tea, for stopping in here. It warms me.
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Jana/Cabinart girl,
You are funny. Those cheese danishes are a special treat on Tuesdays when I'm out studying at a coffee shop for an hour or so. But I am far from immune to the lure of sweets at home too. :) Ach. Need it to be warm so I can try to run again. What's your secret?
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Suzanne,
I understand about asking our Abba for wisdom and savoring a graduating senior too. :) Me too, friend.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Maria,
Welcome from Spain! Bienvenido! I'm honored to have you stop by.
I have never been to Spain, but lived in France for a while, and loved Europe.
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
Laurie,
Yes! Thanks.
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Mia,
So nice to have you stop by here from the Imperfect Prose link up. Thankful for you, and for our Abba's wisdom too. :)
Have a lovely week,
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
AJ,
always nice to talk with you.
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Lori,
I get that. My husband has wrestled at times with that over the years. Our past has a lot to do with that, huh?
Glad you stopped by. Warmly, gently,
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Tara,
"Holding on to the open and humble..." yes!
Nice to have you here again, Tara.
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Cheryl,
Those lunches out with friends are special! Smiling with you,
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
Alecia,
I agree! Parenting and being a wife are the hardest jobs I've ever done, but the most rewarding as well! So worth it, so full of joy.
Have a great week,
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
Thanks, Amy. Have a wonderful week.
Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com
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