The Best Gifts Ever!

Today was a crummy day. Crummy in the way I felt. The last 24 hours have consisted of a UTI, extreme fatigue, chills and a migraine. I went to work to day for 3 short hours and had to leave early and wasn't sure if I could make it home. I picked Faith up from school, picked Alex up early and the first thing she said to me was...don't worry Mom, I will take care of Faith and the house today. At the time, I wasn't comprehending much so I got home and headed upstairs straight to bed. I didn't move for about 6 hours. In that time, Alex cleaned the entire house, folded AND put away laundry, helped Faith finish her homework and made dinner for the two of them. Tommy had to work late so when he got home, I realized all that they had done on top of staying quiet! Alex is such a responsible girl for her age and I am so very grateful for all she does for me and helps me with. I am also grateful that her little sister watches all she does and is following in her footsteps. It reminds me back when it was the "training years" and I never envisioned their life going beyond those terrible fun and exciting years. Now, we still have situations that need redirection and training, but it is awesome to see Jesus shining through them to give to others in an instant. That is something that cannot be forced.

A couple of months ago, I was having a stressful week with a lot going on at work and Tommy being out of town. I was outside talking with a neighbor when the girls created a "spa" in my own bathroom for me...candles, music, bubbles, books, even my robe and slippers laid out for me! Now, for the girls to have never even been to a spa they did a fantastic job creating one!

I can't help but to see God loving on me through my girls. What a gift He has given to me! Parenting is one of the greatest challenges in life, but I am loving seeing the fruits of our labor even though Tommy and I don't always make the wisest decisions and we do fail at times. One thing I have learned is to let your children see you being humble. When we have really messed up and acted out of anger or frustration, we have apologized to them to show that parents are capable of making mistakes and we should own up to it. The hardest part of parenting has been being consistent with discipline. That takes MAJOR effort and hard work! I cannot contribute any author or personal reference to anything we have done with the girls...JESUS is the only One who has taught us what we know and continues daily through surrendering our girls to Him. He is the One who has intimately created their minds and personalities, therefore HE is the only One who can truly give wisdom on how to love and discipline them effectively.

This post is not to brag with a prideful heart but to positively affirm my girls who are hard workers and love Jesus deeply. Believe me, Tommy and I are incredibly humbled by the grace He has extended us with the two of them. I know if they will continue to submit their hearts to serve Him that He has a great plan for their lives. Thank you Lord for WHO YOU ARE and the two greatest gifts you've given to us that we do not deserve!