•••When I accidentally chose church over my son's Home Run•••
Ever since Avarie played club volleyball we had made a family agreement, if one of our kids has a tournament that extends to Sunday, one parent would take the player while the other parent takes the rest of the family to church. We have broken this several times but we really try to stick to it.
We started this routine because we never wanted our kids to think our family revolves around their sibling's sport, and to show we keep Sunday committed to going to church and honoring the Lord.
This weekend Kashton's baseball tourney extended to this morning. Chris took Kash and I took the rest to church. Of course, I get out-of church and see messages that Kashton hit his 1st Home Run! ....I missed it.... (no video, no picture, no going back in time).
As a former athlete, I know how important these moments are. I was driving home wondering, why does God allow these accomplishments to happen when I am away doing "these things"? After all, I have sat hours watching him and it seems I have missed his 'better plays' (in many sports) when I'm trying to be available to the Lord....[ I also remember I missed his first touchdown while on a mission trip. These are just 2 incidents but there are many more with the other kids too].
•••BUT, God speaks very clearly to me sometimes.. He reminds me as I drive home ...a touchdown or a home run is not what HE sees. When we stand before God, He's not going to ask if I missed my sons "first______". He is going to say, "did you LOVE ME FIRST"? 😭or maybe something like, "Did you demonstrate to your children that your love for me exceeds earthly accomplishments"? Does my love for the Lord go before the love of my own son😱😭? Does our leadership as parents show God is first?
I see this as the devil's way of making me feel bad, left out, or entitled to needing this gratification because I am the parent. The enemy wants to tempt Chris and I to see if we will stick to these convictions we set in our home. Besides, how arrogant of me to ask God why I miss these moments as if it is owed to me. I am not commanded to make a shrine over my children's accomplishments. I am sure I will miss more milestones, and in the past it has been events such as birthdays and important life moments.. ...and you know what? My kids are just fine.
Today, Kash runs to me, to meet me in the garage, to tell me about his play....and those are the moments when it's just him and I. In those moments I can celebrate and praise him privately all while demonstrating my first love to the Lord. #parentingishard #GodFirst #FamilySecond
Proverbs 3:6 (LBT)
"In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success."
~thank you for humbling me, Lord. Nothing is owed to me, not even my children's accomplishments.
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