The other day my son was in the car, and super bummed out. He’d just found out he
hadn’t done as well as he’d hoped on a particular test. As we began to talk about it, his head hung low, and his voice was really soft. I asked him what was bothering him the most, and he said, “Mom, I just want to make you proud.” At the light I looked him straight in those sad eyes and I said ‘Joshua, you don’t have to DO anything to make me proud! I am proud of you simply because you are my son! I was filled with pride the moment you were born, and you didn’t have to do anything but just come into this world! You can do nothing to make me more proud of you than you did the day you were born! In my eyes you are simply amazing!’
Later that day I relayed to Tom how Joshua felt, and how sad I was that our son felt he had to earn our admiration! I then had a “God moment” a moment where He takes something in my life and makes Himself all the more clear! I realized every time I try and earn the Lord’s love He is broken hearted too. I can never love Joshua any more or any less than the day I held him in my arms, and He has had to do nothing to maintain that love; it is given freely. I am so proud of him simply because he is my son. Everything he does I am amazed at. This is exactly how God is towards us. The day I became His daughter, He loved me with an everlasting love. My good or bad days do not change the degree of love He has for me, or how proud of me He is. When I remember to read my Bible, pray, or spend time in worship – it doesn’t make Him any more proud of me than the days I do not! When I act like an idiot, make stupid choices, and don’t really act “godly” He suddenly doesn’t wish He could run and hide from me! He continues to love me with a love that never changes irregardless of my successes or failures!
Just like me, Joshua will make mistakes, poor choices, as well as amazing choices, and he’ll do phenomenal things! And, just like God, none of those things will change my opinion, love, or pride for Joshua in any way! He get’s the best of my love simply because he is My Son! There is no better gift to be able to give our children, than to love them with an everlasting love, and through that love they learn that God’s love, far greater than our love, is just as unconditional!
“The Lord appeared from of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” Jer. 31:3
Thanks I really needed to hear that today…and I’m def gonna have my girls read it too…Love that just “is” without being earned is so freeing..brings tears to my eyes and relief to my heart<3
Thanks mommy, I love you so much. That blog just brightened my Monday morning! I believe that god is going to do amazing things through your workshop keep up the good work 🙂 <3 u to the moon and back
I love you to the moon and back, too!
Beth,
You are definitely using the gift the Lord has bestowed upon you. Keep up the scrolling and sharing the insights that He brings to you. Jeremiah 31 is one of my favorites. God bless you girl, Mightily!! Laurie (Deena’s sis)
So true! Amen!
Thanks for sharing from the heart. I have enjoyed reading and learning from how God has worked in your life…even down to the test scores. I am proud of Josh, too. He has done a great job this year. Love you both.