Sometimes I get a little worried about pride, pride in my kids that is. ("Pride is the first step toward destruction. Proud thoughts will lead you to defeat." Psalm 16:18) Then I tend to get a little confused. Most of us want to empower and encourage our kids, right? ("And He took the children [one by one] in His arms and [a]blessed them [with kind, encouraging words], placing His hands" Mark 10:16 AMP)
A couple of weeks ago, I completed an application to be a part of the "Choose Joy Launch Team". Last Monday I was thrilled to learn I had been chosen to be part of the team. Now, it's official.
I can brag on Mary's new book, Choose Joy, all I want because I'm part of her Launch Team! How fabulous is that! How many moms have the opportunity to publicly boast about their child's latest achievement under the auspices of a team of fellow followers?
As much as I'd love to ramble on and on about how proud I am of Mary, it's really not about her, or me. It's about Him.
We know God and His angels rejoice when a sinner repents and accepts His Son (Luke 15:10). But, what about after that? God can't sin, but do you think He gets really happy when His children do the best, right thing?
I do! I think our Heavenly Father grins all over His face and takes a picture with His heart every time we get it right. I believe if God had a heavenly refrigerator it would be covered with our pictures.
Why do I think that? Because of the pure overwhelming joy a parent's heart feels at the achievements of her child. The first word. The first step. Winning the spelling bee. Making the basketball team. And I believe that unadulterated joy is pale compared to the joy of the Father of us all.
What works for me is to remember our Heavenly Father wants me to be the best parent I can to my children through all ages and stages. What also works for me is to hold on to knowing I never have to parent them alone. And once in a while, to imagine God smiling as He gazes at their pictures on His refrigerator.
What's your most child-centered, joy-filled moment? Can you imagine your picture, or the picture of the children you love on God's refrigerator?
This week I'll be linking this post to Giving Up on Perfect and Coffee for Your Heart.