I know, it is a strange title, "Are Your Kids A Blessing?", but I have a reason for it. I am the mother of 6 children, and one of them has had severe medical problems throughout his life. Very hard days and nights, working hard to keep him alive. Thankfully, he is doing MUCH better now, though he still has to be careful in some ways.
Anyway, for years I had to take my children - all 6 of them (or as many as there were at the time!) - to many doctor appointments, emergency room visits and more. My husband went to many of them and many he could not because of work. I love my children, but I also count them as a blessing from God. Now, some days it is easier to SEE that blessing than others, but it is always true. :)
Many times when out, I would hear, "You have SO many children, how do you do it?" "Are they all yours?" "Weren't you afraid the others would have medical problems too?" (Our son with medical problems is the 2nd child in the family.)
"You must be a homeschooler....your kids act like it." "How do you get them all to obey?" "You just have 'GOOD' kids-you're so LUCKY!" "I could NEVER homeschool-I'm not organized enough." "My kids never obey me.", etc, etc.
I would chat with the people and many times would tell them how thankful I was for these precious blessings God has given to me. Some people agreed, while others looked confused.
This post comes from a conversation I had with one mother. She was rather bitterly complaining about how her kids never obey and they always cost her money and on and on with NOTHING positive to say of her children at all.
I was sad, especially since she had one of her sons - he was probably about 9-12 years old- standing right there with her......listening to all that was said.
I know that there are many tough times and it can be hard to stay cheerful and thankful....and seeking to minister to her.................... I said, "Life can be pretty hard sometimes, but aren't they a blessing? I am so thankful for the blessing of my children."
Her response horrified me. She said, "Well, your children might be blessings, but mine sure aren't!"
Her son stood right there and listened, but even sadder to me was the fact that he didn't even react, which made me think that it wasn't the first time he has been told he was unloved and unwanted.
That poor mom.......I don't know her story.....I'm sure her life is hard....really hard...and I suspect she doesn't have the Lord to help her.....I am ashamed to say that I was so taken aback by her comments that I didn't tell her about accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior, though I did talk about the Lord. Such an unhappy, bitter and angry woman.
God wants us to be content in Him....regardless of our circumstances and we have the wonderful opportunity to train our children to be content and joyful also. It will mean denying ourselves.........We don't like to hear our children complain.....do WE complain?
So....... I ask again......Are your children a blessing?
I hope you see that they are........whether they are happy, grumpy, wet, dry, sleepy, hyper or any other way. They are wonderful gifts from the Lord.
What are we teaching our children - hopefully, we will teach them that we love them, God loves them, how to obey and be full of integrity, how to use self-control, how to be thankful, and more. It's a lot of work.....but we can do it......and we can do it joyfully.
I hope that you are loving being your child's parent, and if not, I hope that things will improve for you.........but until they do, I hope you can be thankful for blessings. I also hope that you have a good day. :)
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him." Psalm 28:7
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Hi...what a precious reminder. I have met moms like the one you met. I feel sad for them because they have no joy in their calling and for the children because they will miss out on a mother's joyful love. However, we can pray for those moms and know God can heal those situations.
ReplyDeleteI find myself praying for many moms....and their families as there are so many unhappy people out there.........I can't imagine not having joy in this calling. Have a great day. :)
DeleteI really enjoyed your post. Children are such a blessing. I look into the faces of my own and am so humbled by the honor of being their mom. Your post was a great reminder, not only about the blessings children are, but also about praying for other moms, such as the one you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI agree - it is such an honor......and I find that I learn so much as I try to be a godly mother......God has blessed us with these precious children. :)
DeleteI have also stood in shock as a mother lays out for me the horrible burden her children are to her ... while they are right by her side. :-( My heart always breaks for that family, and especially for that mother, who is missing out on the great gift God has bestowed upon her. Perhaps because I struggled with infertility and lost little ones, perhaps because I, too, am Momma to a fragile child, perhaps just because I feel such overwhelming thankfulness for my role as mother ... not sure why, but I, too, pray for those mothers.
ReplyDeleteI agree that God has gifted us w/ our precious children - even when they are fragile. We actually had a few people say that it would have been better if our son had died rather than be born with the problems he had. Such comments angered me at the judgement that my son's life was worthless........Now, at 22 years old, everyone can see him for the blessing he is and the "productive member of society" as he is very capable, hard working, full of integrity, loves the Lord and more. Though I am glad that now probably all others see that he has worth, I don't like that way of measuring worth. God bless you for your attitude toward others....Thank you for visiting.
DeleteSuch a good reminder!
ReplyDeleteThank you.....I want to remember to be thankful for the blessings God has given me....:) Thank you for visiting.
DeleteThank you for this. I love my children and when someone says something about them I always try to say something positive about how much I enjoy them. Sometimes I do say that it isn't always easy. I hope my children will always know how much I love them.
ReplyDeleteI hope mine will also......there is so much in the world to tear them down....what a blessing that we can have such a good impact in their lives. Thank you for visiting. :)
DeleteYou're right that some days it is hard, and I know without God, I wouldn't see my children as blessings. I am thankful we get to do life with Him.
ReplyDeleteI am also thankful for the privilege of living for Him - what a blessing - I'm so glad you can also see your children as blessings. May God bless your family.
DeleteI saw this post on Welcome Home Wednesdays, and after reading, just had to comment. I also have six children (so far), and our second child has a severe disability (a genetic deletion on the 15th chromosome). Doctor appointments, ER visits, therapy appointments...it can seem never ending at times, and when you have five others in tow it can be easy to feel so discouraged. Everyone we meet while out and about seems to assume I'm crazy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder to always view our children as blessings. The Lord knew what he was doing when He gave us every one.
I am sorry to be late in replying - your comment touched my heart and I appreciate your love for your children - and your dedication with all of the difficulties of caring for a child with a disability.....I know it is hard...and lonely...and exhausting. Thank you for being there for your family.....and being faithful. May God meet your needs and give you a song in your heart. God bless you.
DeleteJust letting you know that this post is among the featured this week at A Mama's Story. It's been pinned to pinterest and will be shared across social media. Help yourself to a featured button, and thanks for linking up.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I too am a mama to 6 kids, and I have heard so many of the comments that you mentioned. Last night my 2 year old son was throwing up, so yeah, that's pretty disgusting, lol, but through it all, I just wanted to hold him and stoke his little head... because I love my little man. I love him so much, even through all the yuck. Yes, children are a blessing!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad God gives us grace to see that......even in the tough or ugly times. :) Thank you for visiting and sharing.
DeleteChildren are a blessing and that poor mother did not understand how words can hurt, destroy, and kill a loving heart in children. There is power in positive words and children need to hear loving words spoken over them from their parents. Thank you for sharing your lovely post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI agree - there is so much power in loving words spoken to our children... and much damage from the other kind.... thank you for visiting and for the great link up. :)
DeleteI'm glad for moms who can see that... especially since I have found some who can't.... which is so sad. Thank you for visiting. :)
ReplyDeleteThis brings tears to my eyes. My children are all blessings even though it has been a struggle at times. How sad that those children had to hear what their mother said.
ReplyDeleteOh, it was so sad and I know it happens to more than just that one child. Thank you for visiting. :)
DeleteWhat a sad story....a story that I think is taking place in many lives of mothers and fathers. Children are such a sweet blessing and they are precious in the sight of our Heavenly Father. We truly need to Lord to direct us and it's through Him that we are able to love unconditionally. Thank you for sharing this post with ROI - it is much-needed, my dear. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad.... and there are so many children... and adults... who demonstrate that lack of love in their lives. Thank you for visiting and commenting. :)
DeleteThat is a lovely post and a great reminder that children are a wonderful blessing and we need to take time to enjoy them. I always think that obedient good children are NOT a product of luck but a credit to their parents and how they have nurtured them.
ReplyDeleteMany years ago I was visiting a church and a lady near me kept complaining about her four year old son and how they did not plan to have him and he was just a nuisance. I wanted to tell her to cherish each moment and to find joy in her son as my four year old son had died just a week before. I am afraid I did not have the strength or courage to share that with her. Your story makes me sad as I think there must be a lot of children out there starved of any appreciation and starved to know Christ. Praise God for all you mums and dads finding the blessing.
60-TheNew40.com
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious son.... and for the extra hurt at seeing another mom w/ a son she wasn't caring about when you would have cherished yours. So painful. I want to honor God as I interact and train my children... and how important. Thank you for visiting and sharing about so great a loss.
DeleteYes, my children are a blessing, not always easy but definitely a blessing and I don't know where I would be without them. I have also heard mothers speak like the one in your post and it saddened me also that they spoke like this with their children around. It is so important that our children never hear these words from us and that they feel loved and valued. Thank you so much for sharing this important message with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
ReplyDeleteI love it when I see and hear parent who recognize the blessing their children are... they are so precious. Thank you for visiting. :)
Deletelove your beautiful pictures!!! good night-grüße from angie from germany
ReplyDeleteThank you! So nice to have you visit. :)
DeleteJames 1:2 "...consider yourself fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way." Having God in your heart definitely helps with perspective. Those poor kids. What a heartbreaking story. No matter how challenging my boys are I always look at them as blessings that I still can't figure out what I did to deserve. I always wonder how many parents feel the same way and how many do not. I could not imagine feeling the way this lady feels. I understand how you were so taken aback that you didn't think to share Jesus with her. Don't beat yourself up. Just pray for her. Although sad, I thoroughly enjoyed the read #bigtopblogparty.
ReplyDeleteI have since met many such mothers (and fathers) and it makes my heart ache. Not all are as vocal as this woman was, but many clearly showed their kids they were nothing more than problems. What a shame. It makes me all the more determined to appreciate and enjoy my family... at all times. Thank you for visiting and sharing.... it was nice to have you. :)
DeleteBeautiful reflection on your bundles of joy. I can say I have my days but, I do consider them a huge blessing. Your a wonderful Mother to convey the message to them everyday.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining HSH!
Sherry
Thank you for a very sweet comment. By the way, I have my moments too, but I apologize and we move on reassured that we are loved by each other and the Lord. :)
DeleteSo inspirational. I have a son with Spina Bifida, and I know it can be challenging at times. And we do have our moments, but they're short lived and we move on. Maybe the mother in your story should change her outlook - it will certainly cause a change in her kids. I can't judge.
ReplyDeleteThank you... that's why my heart went out to her also... life can be so hard and it's not all fun and beauty, but destroying her son is so awful... then 2 lives (or more) are filled with pain and ugliness and a terrible cycle continues. I am so thankful for the freedom and grace found in Christ... if not for Him, I could be that woman and I am so thankful for the work HE does in my life. :)
DeleteThanks for your post. I agree that it can be really sad to hear what other parents think about their children but I was encouraged by your response. "Do not judge or you will be judged. Do not condemn or you will be condemned" (Luke 6:37) I know that I can sometimes be quick to judge another mom and yet, God has been so good to withhold his judgment toward me in Christ. We can all learn to grow in this area of seeing other parents with more kindness and compassion!
ReplyDeleteWe do need to practice compassion and I have prayed for that child... and the mother.. both are in pain. Thank you for visiting.
DeleteChildren are a blessing and even on hard days, it still is true :)
ReplyDeleteSo true... some days it is easier to see/feel that blessing but those children are always a blessing. :)
DeleteYour post reminded me of growing up with 5 children. We were not angels but we knew when to behave. They would constantly ask Mom how she did while their two kids were running around in circles. She loved that.
ReplyDeleteYou know love is everything. My heart too went out to the young man and his Mom. I think sometimes people just flabbergast us and we can't say what we should. All we can do is pray.
I like your story of your mom.. so many times, we hear the "perfect" stories... and we strive to be "perfect". We can never attain to that; however, as we are no where near perfect. Being "real" is important to me.. in life, in my blog, at home. Love is precious.. and when we fail, we apologize and move on. I sure hope that mom I talked of on here, has found forgiveness in Christ and that she and her son are building a better relationship. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteAlthough being a mom is a thankless job, I have always felt being a mom is what is completing me. No child asks for us as parents, that in itself means that they are a blessing to us. We bring them to this world, teach them what to do and what not, we also guide them, so if they are troubling us - it is a failure of our teachings. Thanks for joining The Bloggers Pit Stop
ReplyDeleteInteresting point... I understand the completing idea of children... I sure can't imagine life without them and I feel so utterly blessed by God to be allowed to love these children. Thank you for visiting.
DeleteSuch a wonderful post. I do appreciate and thank the Lord for my children everyday. It isn't easy some days, but every soul is precious to the Lord. Thank you for sharing this message with Home Sweet Home! I will feature it tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThank you... what a blessing that you will be featuring my blog post... you're right that every soul is precious to the Lord and what a blessing to love these souls on a long term basis. :)
DeleteThank you for this wonderful post! The days can be very hard sometimes but our children are such blessings. Thanks for linking up at the Friday at the Fire Station link-up!
ReplyDeleteJen
www.afiremanswife.com
You're welcome... there are so many times when it is hard and it is easy to feel overwhelmed, but even then, they are blessings. :) Thank you for the link up party.
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