How to See Your Children as a Blessing

“Children are a blessing from the Lord“, lately, this has become my daily mantra.

This comes after multiple Facebook updates that included things like “Sometimes I don’t like being a parent” and “kids–ARGH!” or “kids…sigh.” You see, it is not always easy to believe that children are a blessing from the Lord. For some, like me, it is much easier to believe they are a burden. And sometimes it seems much more certain that they are indeed a curse.

Trying to get out the door for any type of prearranged meeting = burden.

Trying to get kids ready for bed so you can actually rest = burden.

Cooking a delicious supper only to be told “oooo…yuck” = burden.

Taking three kids to the grocery store = curse.

Don’t get me wrong: I desperately love my children. I stand by their beds at night and marvel at their innocence and their wonder and their endless imaginations. I love it when they slip their small hand into mine as we walk down the street. I melt a little when they say “I love you, Mommy.” And I savor their complete belief that I am the most attractive, talented, and skilled woman on the face of the earth. They are so smart. 😉 At those times, it’s easy to see them as a blessing. But they are not easy, and they don’t come with an OFF switch. They don’t even come with a manual. They come to us naked and hungry, and our work is clearly laid out before us–clothe and feed. Simple enough.

As hard as those early years are with newborns and toddlers, nothing prepares you for the increasing list of needs that now accompanies your growing child. I still clothe and feed, but it’s no longer simply clothes and milk. I dress her broken heart that has been laid bare by harsh words at school. I nurture self-esteem when he feels he can’t do anything right. I carefully choose the right outfit of words so that my youngest doesn’t feel exposed by my lack of sensitivity. I prepare meals of experience so they learn to marvel at God’s creation and His sustenance. It takes an enormous amount of energy.

And time.

And consistency.

And faithfulness.

All of which I don’t have enough.

And that’s the point isn’t it. I DON’T have enough. But I know a God who does, and His mercies are new each day. His Grace is sufficient for every need. He will supply my lack. Oh, how hard it is to remember that on difficult days. How hard it is to think the truth! To always keep before me the absolute truth that my children are a blessing–given to me by God. A Blessing.

So if you ever find yourself crushed under the weight of a difficult day, remember the truth. God gave you those beautiful children as a blessing. Webster’s defines blessing as “something that helps you or brings you happiness.”  Or “approval that helps you to do something.” Let that sink in for a bit. Your children, blessings from God, are something to bring your happiness, something to help you. See your children as sweet blessings from the Lord. Think the truth.

About wherelifeisreal

Jenny is a 1st year homeschooling mom of three! She loves chocolate, nature, and poetry and usually blogs about poetry. Born and raised on a cotton farm in Tennessee, Jenny has traveled the world and recently returned from living in Singapore for three years where she taught high school English. She's still recovering.