Friday, August 15, 2014

Love Them, No Matter What


Proverbs 31:28-30
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

I've always been proud of my daughter, Sarah Jane.  Even though we didn't always see eye-to-eye when she was growing up, I understood that tensions between mothers and daughters are inevitable.  My Mom and I shared many misunderstandings and downright confrontations during my teen and early adult years, but those never severed the love-line between us.  The commandment to honor father and mother has not always ruled my day, but the older I got, the more compelling this commandment became.  It is real beyond real, true beyond true.  It is one we should all acknowledge, respect and obey.

I peruse these photos sent from Sarah's IPhone and find myself coping with opposing sentiments of hope and melancholy.  









So, I decide to send a message to my daughter:  One day, this winsome Virginia Rose could pose more problems than you, Sarah, could ever imagine.  One day, little Savannah Jane, the image of innocence now, could defy your heart and your desire that she blossom in this world.  What will you do?  How will you handle it?

My only advice is the phrase my Nana, your great-grandmother, passed on to all of us:  Love them, no matter what.  Just love them.

Is there any parenting advice which could top that?  I don't think so.  Keep on loving, Sarah, keep on loving!  And, the Lord will always see you through.

And, one day, I know, your grown girls will rise up to bless you.


~
Parents, were your children a piece of cake to raise, or did you endure struggle after struggle in the process?  Please share your experiences, the good, the bad, and the ugly, in the comment section.

Prayer:  Today, Father, we lift up all parents who are raising their children the best they know how.  Help them when they struggle.  Help them when lines of understanding and communication seem severed.  And, above all, let these parents love their children as You love us - no matter what.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

12 comments:

  1. lovel prayer. prayed right with you, Martha.

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    1. Thank you, Jean! So glad you came by today.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  2. Thanks mom. I worry all the time whether or not I am doing right by my daughters but I know that I can't protect them from everything. They will make mistakes. We all do. I know that no matter what they do I will love them and be there for them. I have been through a lot myself and I still have things to overcome. I know that having people love and support you makes that easier to do.

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    Replies
    1. Love and support is necessary for children and adults - something we never outgrow. You are doing a wonderful job of mothering because it shows in how freely Virginia shows love to others. Hang in there and know I'm always here for you!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  3. This is beautiful, Martha. It would be great if all parents practiced this! God bless you, Sarah and the girls.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for coming by and for your kind words, Corinne! I, too, wish all parents would put this into practice.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  4. Beautifully said Martha, a daughter couldn't have asked for anything more than this <3

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  5. wonderful advise. you won't always agree with your adult 'children' ways with their children but a wise mom and grandma prays and does her best to be quiet. I do write my daughter little notes encouraging her to put her mommy pants on, as she is a single mom and sometimes gives in too soon. I think it is our role to encourage, uplift, advise but carefully and pray. great little blog.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such an enlightening comment! We do walk a fine line when dealing with our grown children who now have children of their own; our prior experiences have us wanting to shout out when what we need to do is sit back and let mommy be mommy the best way she can.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. Thank you for writing this, Martha! I don't think any parenting advice could top what you said. If it was good enough for the Savior to love all, it's good enough for us:) And we can't change the past with those who were supposed to have loved us. All we can do in the future is continue to love others and forgive those who have wronged us.

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    Replies
    1. Amen, Vishnu! We love because He first loved us, and it is wonderful parenting and grandparenting advice. Thanks so much for coming by!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete

. . . Good Tidings of Great Joy . . .

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