Baby Jack update: A certain little boy named Jack did more squirming and complaining than sleeping last night. So nobody was in a very good mood this morning. Jacks gums are still smooth with no little teeth peeking out; but I believe he is teething and that is making him restless. He doesnt seem to mind when he is distracted though and he had fun playing with his daddy when he got home from work. When Jack had his lunchtime bottle I could tell his squirmy night was catching up to him and his eyes were getting droopy. So I decided it was time for a nap. Jack was not on board with that plan however and he tried all his usual tricks to avoid sleeping. He did his comedian routine where he raises his eyebrows at you and grins. It is actually really funny but if you show the slightest hint of a smile, he knows he is winning and he laughs and laughs. I was getting nowhere fast, so his daddy took over. Jack did his comedy act but got no response. So he moved on to his heart melting routine. He started to reach out with his tiny baby hands and stroke Halstons face while cooing at him. Even Halston admits that is really tough to ignore. But Jack is finding out that his daddy is not one to back down from a challenge and so a battle of wills always ensues. Halston said, I love you. That is very sweet, but you are still going to take a nap. As soon as Jack sees comedy and cuteness arent working, he switches gears to his last resort- throwing a big fit. He was obviously exhausted but still wouldnt give up the fight. About an hour later Jack was still yelling with his sleepy eyes closed. And he was really mad at his daddy. In the end, we finally got him rocked to sleep and he took a nap against his will. I think parenting is going to be just as challenging as it is rewarding. When Jack woke up, he was still a bit fussy and still a bit mad at daddy. Im sure it wont be the last time those two butt heads. But I think that if you dont make your kids mad every once in a while, then you must not be doing your job as a parent. I can just see Jack in a few years thinking hes all grown up and wanting to do something reckless and dangerous. I can see him stomping off after we tell him there is no way he will be doing that. I can see him wonder why he doesnt get to go with so-and-so and do what everyone else is doing. And Im sure there will be times he goes ahead and does something we specifically tell him not to do and then have to face the consequences at home. But hopefully, through it all he will feel loved and will one day see why we raised him the way we did. Gods Word says, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Sure, it might seem easier sometimes to just give in, be their buddy, and let them do as they please. But as parents, it is our responsibility to protect, teach, and train our child so that they will be prepared for life on their own. Most importantly, it is our job to teach them about The Lord. How can we say we love our children and want the best for them if we dont introduce them to The Savior? We need to make an effort to pray for (and with) our children, read them Gods Word, talk to them about Jesus and what He has done for us, and live our life as an example they can follow. God gave us a promise that we can count on. If we train up a child in the way that is right, when he is old he will not depart from it. But for this to happen, we have to do our part. It is more than taking our kids to church on Easter Sunday. It is more than blessing our food before we eat. It is a daily walk WE must have with God that our children can witness. It is doing the unpopular things as a family because we follow God and not the world. It is filling them up with Gods Word so that it will be in their hearts when they need it most. It is being loyal and faithful servants to God even when there is no earthly reward. It is standing up for what we believe in, no matter what the cost. It is showing our children what sin is and why we need the Savior and how to receive salvation. And when we mess up, as all Christians do, we must be an example once again and make things right with God. Some parents raise children who rebel against them and God, but because of love, they continually pray on their childs behalf. There have even been cases in which those prayers arent answered until after that parent goes on to be with The Lord. But rest assured, that The Lord hears and answers our prayers as parents (and children as well) in His timing. God bless those parents who dont give up on their children! Arent you glad God doesnt give up on His children? Jesus told a parable of the prodigal son. This son demanded his inheritance, left home, wasted all his money on filthy, riotous living, and ended up so poor and hungry he dreamed of eating the slop he fed pigs. What a selfish, foolish son! But when he came to himself and started thinking clearly he said, I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. (Luke 15:18-19) So he got up and headed home, assuming his father has long ago disowned him for his rebellion. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20) His father had not forgotten or given up on him. He was not holding a grudge. He had been longing and hoping for his return. He ran to him with open arms and welcomed his lost son home. That story was not just about a loving father; it was a picture of The Heavenly Father and His children. He loves us and wants us, even though we dont deserve Him. So whether Jack is mad at us for having to take a nap or happy that he gets to play, I pray that God will help Halston and I to train him up in the way that is right. I thank God for this day and for showing me more and more of Who He is, as I experience the joys and challenges of parenthood. Thank you for always praying to keep Jack healthy, eating, and breathing.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 05:29:28 +0000
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