I woke up the other morning to find that a toddler has moved into our house! One night I put my sweet baby to bed, and he woke up the next day a very active and very independent little boy. It really happened so fast. It seems like it was just the other day that we were teaching him to play patty cake, and now he’s climbing on the coffee table, turning on his own DVD’s, and rolling his eyes when I give him instructions (I’m not kidding)! He is still, of course, a very sweet little boy, but he has the energy of a pack of monkeys.
So . . . I’ve been reading a lot of parenting books lately, some good, some not so good. I’m realizing that this is not easy and that it is a full-time job. I can’t just raise this kid on the side while I pursue other interests. He has made it clear that this is going to take everything I have.
This is the greatest responsibility that God has ever given me. I’m not just supposed to feed and clothe this child for the next eighteen years, and I’m not just supposed to teach him to be a nice guy. Somehow I have to teach this little boy to love the LORD with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, to submit his strong will to the God that created it, and to use the days of his life to serve the King of Kings. Wow, what an overwhelming task! It is something that I want to take seriously because I realize that, even now, the clock is ticking; a time is coming when I will no longer have the influence over this little soul that I have today.
So . . . I have been and will be saying a lot of prayers. I’m asking God to bless Casey and me with wisdom, to bless our little boy with a soft, tender heart, a heart that is turned toward Him, and to give us the energy and patience to fulfill this task in a way that glorifies Him.
December 18th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
They do grow up fast! It is such a blessing from God to have these precious gifts. They do deserve our total commitment to teach them to love God and others. I know you and Casey are doing a wonderful job raising Caleb. We can’t wait to see you guys on Sunday! We are going to have a special Christmas. I can’t wait to see the kids open presents together!! We love you guys!!
December 18th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Mary Beth, it does seem to happen over night, and it’s amazing how it takes a child becoming a toddler and developing a mind of their own for us parents to realize just how serious of a job we’ve been given by God! Pray for wisdon and discernment continuously, get rest when you can and surround yourselves with the best circle of influence you can find (I can’t stress any of these three enough!!)- I have full faith that Caleb will grow up with a heart after God!!!
December 18th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
thank you for putting Caleb first and not “stuff” He will grow up to love the Lord completely because you and Casey do!! We are praying for you daily!!
Be careful on your trip here, we can’t wait!!
Grammie
December 18th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
I am so proud of you and Casey realiizing so deeply,your responsibilty to Caleb. I know the Lord will bless you and help you through difficult times. We are so anxious to see you. We leave in the morning. Please don’t worry if Caleb doesn’t know us. We just enjoy seeing him and watching him play. Maybe next time we come down we will be there long enough for him to get to know us. Love Mema