Last week, I was given the blessing of this beautiful list written by Dr. Kevin Leman. It was passed out by my son's 2nd grade teacher who is a mother and has taught children for over 40 years!!! After I read this list over, I started to pray about these "glory days" I have been spending as a mom. I looked at all the archived photos I have taken, teared up, and prayed some more. My, has time flown by. The days seem long, but the years seem to pass so quickly. Nevertheless, this message meant so much to me, I couldn't help but share it with all of my "Better Moms"...please take a moment to soak this in.
The following photos are windows into my life as a mom....
A Child's Ten Commandments
My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can catch up with you.
(My son, proud after making his bunk beds)
My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.
(A bird nest fell from the inside of our deck. In there were the most beautiful abandoned blue eggs.)
Housework will always be there. I'm little for only a short time-please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.
(This pose brought Geoff and I to tears. We imagined looking back on this photo when she really does graduate from college.)
My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. Don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness), Treat me as you would like to be treated.
(My son woke up early to make us all breakfast- a banana, grapes, 1/2 of a frozen waffle, juice and Sprite)
I am a special gift from God' please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and treating me in a loving manner.
(Kindergarten begins...)
I need your encouragement to grow. Please go easy on the criticism remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.
(Coach and Daddy...all in one.)
Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I'll be prepared to make the kind of decisions like requires of me.
(God has big plans for this tender hearted boy)
Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me with my brothers and sisters.
(Our two year old decorating eggs...her little hands kept dropping them...cracks and all, these were the sweetest colored eggs ever.)
Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.
(Geoff and I at The Greenbrier for a weekend. The kids had a blast at the grandparents, and we happily soaked up alone time!)
Please take me to Sunday School and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.
(My daughter singing with the kid's choir at church. Does that young lady behind her look familiar to anyone?! It's Courtney from Women Living Well!)
Dear Father, please cover every mother reading this today in prayer. That we will be given the strength to raise Your children in a glorified way. Please fill us with love so that we can give that love to our families. Let us not be hurried for tomorrow, but to live joyfully in today.Amen.
Love to you, Janelle
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