Hospitality, Friendship, Encouragement

Thursday, December 17, 2009

My Children, My Friends


My older girls and I spent several hours last night, sitting in the livingroom, laughing and talking. I love these young women, who are my daughters and yet my friends. We talk about life and love, the future. We talk about the Lord, about doctrine, about living as Christians in the world. I am so thankful for them.

This morning I have been pondering how we got to this point. It doesn't just happen - one day you wake up and your children are nearly adults and you are dear friends. It takes a deliberateness on your part. It takes seeking the Lord from the time they are born and asking for wisdom and patience and sensitivity. It takes have a goal of where you would like to see your children as adults. It takes selflessness.

I have failed at all of these things many, many times. I have talked when I should have listened; I have yelled, when I should have spoken patiently. I don't deserve the relationship I have with my children, but I am so thankful for the Grace that has given it to me!

A side benefit of all of it is to see their relationships with each other. It delights my heart...





They grow up so fast...


You don't want to waste one minute of fun...
Or craziness.....

It helps to have a loving husband and father who delights to do things with his family...
But in the end it is the Grace of God alone which will bring about this kind of life. I am so thankful.

4 comments:

Shonni said...

What a sweet post!!! Your children are so cute!

Cheri' said...

Beautiful post! Your children are very blessed to have such a godly, wonderful mom who knows how to rely on the grace of God to help her raise her family! You are a treasure Mrs. Rabe!

Becky K. said...

It is a good thing, indeed!

Simple Home said...

What a wonderful post, and oh so true. It is God's grace, and I feel blessed to share this type of relationship with my kids too, in spite of me.
Blessings,
Marcia

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