Loving my Children Part 2

"Stop it Audrey!"

"Laura, stop pestering your brother!"

"Please don't whine, Timmy."

The list goes on and on. My days can be filled with the constant round of "Stops and Don't-do's" and what ends up happening is that I quite often feel like I just want to crawl to the quietest corner of my room and bury myself in a book. That is a temptation unique to me but every mother has her own temptation and story unique to them. In her message "Loving my Children" Carolyn Mahaney teaches us that to love our children, we must understand what the word "Love" means as it is translated in Greek. She shows us that the word in that passage of Titus 2 means the same as it does for loving our husbands -Phileo. A tender, affectionate love. We are so good at cleaning up messes, wiping noses, buying them toys and clothes and preparing meals, but are we truly loving our children with an affectionate and tender love?

When those rough days hit, or your child has been doing whatever it is your child is best known for, are you taking time every day to truly enjoy your children?

Take time today to reflect on that day she/he was placed in your arms the very first time. Then take a good look at your child and enjoy them today. Take time to journal what is in your heart and then take the next step and tell them how much you enjoy them.

I like to tell my kids at the end of a day, no matter how rough it has been, "How is it, that out of all the little Boys/girls in the world, God gave me his very best?", or I'll often stop to say, "I am so thankful that I am your Mom! I love being your Mom! Do you know how pleased I am with you?" And I will go on to list the ways my children please me. This sometimes take effort especially if it has been a trying day, but it is time well spent; for the fruits of encouragement are plentiful!