By Lysa TerKeurst
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV)
As a mom, I often ask God to reassure me when I’m afraid. Just knowing God is with me and with my children comforts my heart… even when it comes in the most unusual ways.
Recently, I opened the front door to little hands full of heart shaped pink petals. "Oh no, not the Camellia bush,” I gasped.
"Mommy, look at what I've done for you. I only used the flowers on the ground ... not any from the bush."
It was hard to believe that the pathway of pink pedals could have only come from the fallen blooms. But I held my tongue and smiled at the beautiful display that stretched before me.
Much later in the day, my son's friends came to pick them up. They were going out. Normally I’d be fine with this but I’d just heard of a mom who lost her son in a terrible car accident. So, I didn't want my boys to go out. I didn't want them to get in a car with other boys and drive away.
Though I trust them, it is still much more comforting to know they are just in the other room playing video games or watching basketball. I wish this was the definition of going out. I wish my frozen pizza seemed more appealing to them than the food at the restaurant where they were headed.
I followed them to the front door with the normal speech they can all repeat with me word for word. They know what I am saying is as much to comfort my heart as it is a reminder for them."
Don't drive too fast... wear your seatbelt... be home on time... and most importantly remember who you are."
As they walked down the front walkway and over the delicate pink petals, I called out to the one driving and added one last thing, "You are not just driving off with my son, you know. You are driving off with part of my heart."
He called back, "I got it Mrs. T. I'll take care of your heart."
With that they were gone.
And then I loved that Brooke had scattered the delicate heart-shaped petals at the front door. I picked one up and examined how perfectly heart shaped it really is. I was amazed by the color, the texture, and how something so complicated could come from such a simple looking bush.
I smiled at both the Creator and His creation.
When I can't control everything around me, everything around me seems to be a reminder of just how in control God is.
Dear Lord, it is hard when our kids grow up and slowly slip from being under our careful watch at all times. Lord, help me keep my eyes on You rather than my fears. Make me a wise mom not a fearful mom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Lysa TerKeurst’s blog today to read more powerful reminders of how to be a wisdom-based parent rather than a fear-based parent.
Who Holds the Key To Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst
The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
What is your typical response when fears for your kids creep into your heart and mind?
What are some ways we can make sure our decisions where our kids are concerned are not rooted in fear but rather wisdom? Take time today to ask God to help you discern between your fear-based decisions and wisdom-based decisions with your kids.
Reflections:
What am I really afraid of? Is my God big enough to help me handle each and every situation I will face as a parent?
What are some evidences of God’s amazing power that you can see in nature today?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 54:10, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken no my covenant of peace be removed…” (NIV)
Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps up in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words can not express.” (NIV)
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV)
As a mom, I often ask God to reassure me when I’m afraid. Just knowing God is with me and with my children comforts my heart… even when it comes in the most unusual ways.
Recently, I opened the front door to little hands full of heart shaped pink petals. "Oh no, not the Camellia bush,” I gasped.
"Mommy, look at what I've done for you. I only used the flowers on the ground ... not any from the bush."
It was hard to believe that the pathway of pink pedals could have only come from the fallen blooms. But I held my tongue and smiled at the beautiful display that stretched before me.
Much later in the day, my son's friends came to pick them up. They were going out. Normally I’d be fine with this but I’d just heard of a mom who lost her son in a terrible car accident. So, I didn't want my boys to go out. I didn't want them to get in a car with other boys and drive away.
Though I trust them, it is still much more comforting to know they are just in the other room playing video games or watching basketball. I wish this was the definition of going out. I wish my frozen pizza seemed more appealing to them than the food at the restaurant where they were headed.
I followed them to the front door with the normal speech they can all repeat with me word for word. They know what I am saying is as much to comfort my heart as it is a reminder for them."
Don't drive too fast... wear your seatbelt... be home on time... and most importantly remember who you are."
As they walked down the front walkway and over the delicate pink petals, I called out to the one driving and added one last thing, "You are not just driving off with my son, you know. You are driving off with part of my heart."
He called back, "I got it Mrs. T. I'll take care of your heart."
With that they were gone.
And then I loved that Brooke had scattered the delicate heart-shaped petals at the front door. I picked one up and examined how perfectly heart shaped it really is. I was amazed by the color, the texture, and how something so complicated could come from such a simple looking bush.
I smiled at both the Creator and His creation.
When I can't control everything around me, everything around me seems to be a reminder of just how in control God is.
Dear Lord, it is hard when our kids grow up and slowly slip from being under our careful watch at all times. Lord, help me keep my eyes on You rather than my fears. Make me a wise mom not a fearful mom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Lysa TerKeurst’s blog today to read more powerful reminders of how to be a wisdom-based parent rather than a fear-based parent.
Who Holds the Key To Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst
The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
What is your typical response when fears for your kids creep into your heart and mind?
What are some ways we can make sure our decisions where our kids are concerned are not rooted in fear but rather wisdom? Take time today to ask God to help you discern between your fear-based decisions and wisdom-based decisions with your kids.
Reflections:
What am I really afraid of? Is my God big enough to help me handle each and every situation I will face as a parent?
What are some evidences of God’s amazing power that you can see in nature today?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 54:10, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken no my covenant of peace be removed…” (NIV)
Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps up in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words can not express.” (NIV)
6 Comments:
That was a wonderful devotion today. And it is so hard sometimes to see our children we have kept by us at all times spread their wings and learn to fly away. What a wonderful Father we have to guide and comfort us as well as our children. God Bless.
I received this as a forward from a friend today, and though the timing was perfect, I believe it was no accident for me to read this. This morning as I prayed for my children's safety (as I do everyday) I had a sad thought cross my mind briefly, and immediately stopped myself and said, "No, Lord, I trust that you will keep them both safe in your care this day." When I read the devotional about a fearful mom, I knew it was God's reassurance that they would be just fine. God is good!
Thank you! As was reflecting on my daughter's birthday today and how far she has come. I was thanking the Lord for walking beside us thru all the early struggles we have had with her and how by the Lord's help in her and us parents she has become wonderful young woman! What a blessing to read this devotional to confirm this and continue to marvel of how great HIS Creation is and that He is always there guiding protecting and loving us! Blessing and encouragement to you today
As a parent it is the hardest thing in the world to let our children go, we always want to protect them no matter how old they get. My daughter who is 26 has to remind me all to often that Our Heavenly Father has a band of Angel wrapped around her and her brother that I need not worry to much that they will be okay as long as they continue to walk with God.
This was perfect timing for this devotion. It is all God. He is such a good and caring God.
Thank you for letting me remember to trust God with my fears. The prayer was wonderful, a prayer ever mother or parent should say.
I thank God for my boys and I put them in God's hands.
Thank you for letting God inspiring you with your writing.
Oh Lysa, you have no idea how this post spoke to me heart. I so struggle right now with our son being all grown up, living his own life, not longer needing his mom.
Thank you for sharing...
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