A few weeks ago, I wrote a Facebook post about the joys of having our older children choose to love us.
Several sweet moms responded that they hoped their children would make that deliberate decision when they got older. One mom commented, "I wish you could share the formula for this."
I've thought a lot about that formula lately, and of course you know there really isn't one. Most moms are just trying to do the best they can, day in and day out, while they hope their love for their children is what carries through above and beyond all the messes and mistakes and meltdowns.
But as I've pondered that formula and how I spend my time as a mom and the love my family has for me, I've come to realize one thing: maybe the most important work I ever do as a mom is to care for my family's souls.
I'm deeply grateful for the chance to share about this on Her View From Home. I'd be honored if you'd take a moment to head over and read a little more about this subject that's so dear to my mom heart.
**This post may be have been shared at some of these blog link parties.**
If only there was a formula for following when it comes to raising kids who will love us when they are teens and adults... and I love your honesty here. There isn't really one path... but whatever path we walk as parents needs to be sprinkled with love - love for ourselves, love for our kids, love for our family, love for others... because that behavior will shine through all else.
ReplyDeleteLove hearing from you Elizabeth...
Marissa
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Marissa, thank you so, so much for taking time to click over and read this post! You are so right in all you said: whatever else we do or don't do, it's the love that ultimately wins the day. Thank you for your sweet encouragement...bless you!
DeleteYou did so incredible well with that piece! I was sitting here reading your words that refueled my parental tank. Thank you! (Shared it via my FB page too!)
ReplyDeleteAwww...AMANDA! Your lovely words just refueled MYY tank, and I can't thank you enough for that. And bless you for sharing...you have just made my day, and I am sending you virtual chocolate right this second. xoxo
DeleteMy brain is mush after getting up crazy-early to make the veggie version of haggis for our Scotland "trip" tonight and then spending the rest of the day NOT hermiting, but at lasts-from-10-until-6 playgroup (!), but even though I can't get my thoughts together to say anything that makes sense, I want to send you all the feels my little heart can send right now. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my word, that playgroup is SO not hermiting! 10 til 6?! But, oh, sweet Lisa, there is no way I can tell you how much your words on this post meant and mean to me. No. Way. I felt your feels, and they have filled up my heart. Thank you from the bottom of it. You truly are one of God's most precious gifts to me.
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