Family - Status or Privilege?

I was thinking today, family isn’t a status.
Family is a privilege and gift.

Recently, we were away for the weekend with our kids and their kids. It was so much fun! Not excessive amounts of sleep, but tons of food & fun!

As I observed the interactions and conversations, a wondering thought crossed my mind... have I placed too much weight on the successes and failures that we have experienced together? Have I allowed the status of having a 'successful family' to become part of my identity?

I am not discounting any of the positive or negative experiences as they have served to only enrich our lives, but I think that the Holy Spirit was challenging me with these questions.  Had too much of my identity, sense of accomplishment and well being been swayed by the plus' and minus' of family life?

I realize that I am possibly only speaking to myself here, but I'll continue so I can learn something...

Kids are a gift. They've been entrusted to us by our Father, God. They’re not ours to claim credit for or place a feather in our cap about. We had no more input into their design and natures than we did in our own. The truth is, that we could only control certain elements of their lives. Make no mistake, they do reflect us and the home of their upbringing, the steering, nurturing, and guidance that we as parents have given them, but they are still Gods, ingrained with His DNA, entrusted to us.

As a mom and nana, I must not forgo or take lightly the responsibility that I’ve been given ... the stewarding of several children. But, I should not take ownership nor credit for what is Gods. I must release them, daily if necessary, to His plan, looking to Him on how to encourage these kids, truly assisting them to become all that God has designed them to be.

I don't think parenting really ends, it just changes.

All of our children are now adults, raising their own crews. When they were babies, my husband & I did everything for them. Now we serve and try to interact from a different position — much more like the sidelines of a grand race, cheering them on. It doesn’t mean though that I don’t have occasional meltdowns, forget my position, and jump down on the track to help!  Sigh... I’d still try and win the race for them if I could! But that is just dumb and quite frankly, selfish.

This is their race, not mine. If they ask for help, I’m right there to give them support and love, to coach, but I must send them on. Is it hard to do that? You bet it is! My momma heart wants to be involved in every aspect of their lives... I don't like the separation, but I do love to see them grow and become confident adults and leaders in their home and surroundings.

They are God’s kids, and I have to trust that He is showing them the next steps. I must believe that their hearts are trained well and they only want what we, as earthly parents, have wanted for them... to know, love and serve the heart of God. If I don’t believe that, then I fail them in all the messages of faith that I have shared and lived for them over the years.

So, I humbly return to my seat in the stands and start cheering (and praying) all over again.

Parents, be encouraged and know that you are in an honourable position before God. He believes in you and has blessed you with your children... His kids. He trusts you with them. Whatever stage of parenting you are in, learn to look often for the face of Jesus. Listen to His prompting and wise counsel. Read and meditate on His word. He will guide you into all wisdom as you walk humbly and closely with Him. Don’t be slow in apologizing when you get things wrong - both to God and the kids. They will grow as they observe your authenticity and want what you have. They will want Jesus.