Saturday, August 7, 2010

My Secret Gift

Sometimes I'm too negative and critical of this little boy. Sometimes my criticism is silent and sometimes it is loud. He doesn't learn like his sister. He doesn't like to do the same things as his sister. He can't sit still, and he struggles with focus and following instructions. He is often a square peg that I try to fit in a round hole (hard to admit because I speak up so much against doing this to children - very hypocritical).

Then the Lord blesses me with encouragement. He proves once again He loves my son more than I do and His plans and His ways are higher and better than mine. A sweet, elderly lady from church called to tell me how much my son means to her. She told me when he sees her coming, he opens the door for her, and gives her a hug. She told me she lives in pain, but that little boy of mine gives her such love and joy that for a moment when she sees his smile and feels his hug, she forgets her pain. In these moments I thank the Lord for His work in my son's life. I take a moment to focus on areas of his life to praise, rather than criticize.

This year, I want to be a mother who gives my son the grace he needs, to be who God created him to be. I want to bless, strengthen, and encourage him rather than quickly criticize and compare him to others (whether silently or loudly).

Today, is my boy's 9th birthday, and this is my secret gift to my son. May I be slow to speak and quick to listen to him (James 1:9). May my words bless, encourage, inspire, and encourage him to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). I pray through my thoughts, words, and actions, that this secret gift will soon be revealed to my son every single day.

Happy Birthday to my firstborn! I love you like crazy, and I'm so thankful God let me keep you!




8 comments:

April said...

As a mom to a boy just like yours, I know how hard it is to admit those things. Great post, and Happy Birthday to your boy!

Nikki said...

Thank you, April. Maybe we can help encourage each other in raising our boys.

Sandra said...

Beautiful Nikki and such and encouragement to all of us raising children who require extra grace!

Joelle said...

Oh yes, boys, they need our grace. But the Lord gives it to us to pass on. Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment. Have you ever read Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel, it talks about that. BTW, I am now following you, so see you around.

Nikki said...

Joelle, No I have not read that book. I will have to check it out though! Thanks for sharing.

God's girl said...

Nikki-
Thanks for your sweet comments and words of encouragement to me. THanks for your prayers.

I love this post because it is what most of us moms think at times. I too want to be a more grace extending parent. Love it when God gives us those words of encouragement through others. What a gift! Happy birthday to your son! I have one turning 9 in Oct.!!
Much love,
Angela

Unknown said...

Hi, my name is Karen , from
http://glassofsweettea.blogspot.com/
I came across your blog and have enjoyed browsing through it..So I just wanted to introduce myself and say Hi. I am fairly new to blogging and am enjoying the variety of blogs out there.
I hope you will get a chance to stop by and visit me as well
Have a blessed day.. Hope to see you soon

Bronwyn said...

Nikki,
Thank you for stopping by my blog! It is nice to read though yours as well!
Happy Birthday to your son! He sounds like a wonderful boy. I have two boys who are very much square pegs as well. I always tell myself I want to be like Thomas Edison's mom who saw past his differences and believed in and encouraged him. I stumble a lot however. Your gift to your son is beautiful! I think it is a great encouragement to us all!
Blessings,
Bronwyn