Parenting has taught me so much about God’s heart for His children. It has also taught me about why Jesus talks about having faith like children. In Ellie’s world things are so simple and straight forward. If I say we are going to the store she collects her snacks and heads to the garage with great excitement. (we should probably get out more) What her mom and dad say is fact and truth in her mind and she acts accordingly. It reminds me to step forward confidently in God’s promises as He is a much better parent then I and simply cannot lie or mislead. Parenting has taught me about the unconditional love that God has for me and about the grace that pours from His heart over my life. I am so aware of the failure in my life and know that God is even more aware of it then I am and I feel shame. But when I look at Ellie – even on her worst day of naughtiness – I am filled with love and grace – and hope for what is to come in her. When I remember that my human heart is a pale reflection of my Father God’s heart i am broken by His love.
Yummy ice cream.
Parenting has also taught me that as a child of God my perspective is often flawed. Yesterday Ellie was having her morning bath as I was getting ready and I heard an urgent “Whats that??!!!” and I knew. Sure enough. Ellie had pooped in the tub. I whisked her out and drained the tub so I could disinfect it and run another bath for Sweet Pea. She stood there watching the water drain and the floaters swirl around. She looked at me and pointed to the offensive matter and said with great enthusiasm “yummy ice cream!!!”. I was so grossed out by this observation (which was repeated many times) and yet also amused. After cleaning up and rebathing my daughter I got to thinking about how wrong Ellie’s perception was in this situation. It caused me to consider how not true my ideas are sometimes. What things are there in my life that I am identifying as “yummy ice cream” that are actually so not good for me?…
