Everyone, whether they realize it or not, has a motto or two that define their lives. It is their way of living, their purpose for living, or lack thereof. I have a few of these myself and some of them keep getting more ingrained the older I get.
One of those is to reach the age of 80 or 90, look back and say that I tried to live “with as few regrets as possible”. I know it’s not possible to reach the end of life, look back, and say you have none at all. But it’s advantageous to us to live the here and now, knowing someday we will be looking upon it in hindsight.
I remember the days as a mom of four toddlers when it was simply surviving that took up my time. I didn’t have much time to think of regrets at the age of 80. Changing diapers, feeding kids, grocery shopping, naptime, and laundry were my main priorities.
Yet somewhere in there I did my best to teach my children of the way of the Cross, the blood of Jesus, repentance, forgiveness, heaven and hell. Many days I’d wonder “will they ever get it?” What am I doing this for? And then the answer would come……for the salvation of their souls.
Sometimes we moms of Littles can get so caught up in the daily, mundane aspects of toddler life, that we forget the eternal aspects of it. All the training we did with the two-year-old to try and get him to come at first command. Those Bible stories at bedtime and teaching them to pray. All those hugs when their little hearts had been offended and needed to learn the power of forgiveness. Teaching them to do the right thing in spite of their friends doing the wrong thing. All those moments we took out of our day to teach and instruct a 4-year-old with an eight second attention span. Those were the times when Biblical principles were given in short, direct, three-word sentences.
But it was all done with the purpose of looking forward. Forward to the day when, like our oldest child, they come to you and say, “Mom, do I need Jesus in my heart to go to heaven?” That is the moment when you realize all your work has truly been worth it. Those days of mundane teaching, kisses and hugs melt away and you realize that, yes . . . it was all for a purpose.
I say this to encourage you moms of little ones to keep on. Your reward is coming and you will partake of the fruit of your labors, some here on earth and some in heaven above.
I don’t know if I will get another post up before the year is out, so I’d like to take this time to wish all you readers a Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with the purpose of serving Him. Lots of folks bring in the New Year with resolutions to strive for.
I have one, although I’m not sure it’s titled a resolution. But, Lord willing, I am planning on getting Tea Cups and Cowboys into print in the year 2012. This project I will blame on my first cousin, who planted the idea of a book in my head and heart. It was an outlet for me following Lowell’s accident and I enjoyed writing it. However, it is three years outdated in regards to our children’s ages and I need to simply get it off the shelf and into print if for no other reason than for the sake of my children. There……..how’s that for a marketing plan.
Wishing you a Christ-filled Christmas!
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Arlene says
Can I market it for you on the Bulletins that I publish? Would be delighted to do so!
Kendra Graber says
Sure! I’ll get the info to you when it’s actually in print. Thanks!
Janet Bender says
You go sister!!! What a wonderful resolution. I’m standing in line to buy one =)….and if I’m here and you have a live reading by The Author I’d love to help with the refreshments. Luv ya and MErry Christmas! -JMB
Kendra Graber says
No live reading, Janet! 🙂 I’m afraid people’s expectations are too high.
Anonymous says
Great! you know we’ll be waiting to see it!
God bless u,
Mom G