For the past 2 days, Mia and I have battled through her afternoon nap. Yesterday she never got that nap. Today she finally fell asleep. I know at some point she will transition from 2 naps to 1 nap, but now is not that time. For a variety of reason, she still requires the extra rest time. In the big picture, getting Mia to nap has no eternal value. But being a good Mom, knowing what is best for your child, and how you respond to situations like this DOES have eternal value. As I begged the Lord to show us mercy and to "just let her fall asleep; please whisper in her ear", I also expressed how silly I felt to be praying so desperately for a minor issue. My God is a God of the big AND the small things!! But it made me reflect on my heart and my life - and what battles will come with Mia that will have a much bigger impact on her life. And the same questions will run through my mind and make me question my response - how long do I battle this out with her, do I respond with firm demands or sweet encouragement, will she understand that being firm with her is only because it is was is best for her, will she remember the results and follow my encouragement next time??? And then there is the question of my heart! Why do I get so upset? Why do impatience and anger always get the best of me? Will Mia see right through my attempt to remain calm and see a clear view of my sin - potentially teaching her to react the same way? If these little things in life put me in such a bad mood, how am I going to respond when we have a "real" battle of the wills. And so, I continue to pray. For the refining of my heart (which may prove to be painful) and for Mia's heart - to know God and follow hard after Him!!
And further I prayed...for particular friends to experience the joy of having a child, for Chris and I to know and experience God's wisdom, for God to protect Mia from the evil of this world - Oh how this prayer stirs my heart toward the uncertainty of the future. If ever there is a test of faith, it is whole-heartily trusting God with your child!
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