Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them.
They remember what you are.
— Jim Henson
There is no higher calling in my life or greater joy in my heart than raising these three children.
Lord, fill me with your love and grace and mercy and compassion and gentleness.
Give me your patience and kindness.
Help me to be slow to anger and quick to forgive.
Teach me to depend on you for all my needs.
Give me a grateful heart so that their hearts are filled with thanksgiving.
Let them see me rely on your provision.
Let them see me wait on you.
Let them see me trust in you for my friendships so that they can trust in you for theirs.
Let them see me seeking you so that they might seek you also.
Help me to always be mindful that they are watching me.
It is by your grace...
that I raise them and teach them and show them the way.
It is by your grace....
that they follow you all of their days.
It is by your grace alone.
that I raise them and teach them and show them the way.
It is by your grace....
that they follow you all of their days.
It is by your grace alone.
I'm linking up with Tiffani at House of Belonging today.
She's giving us all a chance to talk about our babies.
Tara, your timing perfect. I really needed this reminder today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Tara! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Beautiful and so true!!! Hugs,Rachel
ReplyDeleteFrench Farmhouse 425
that was really beautiful...precious photos you have too:)
ReplyDeleteYour words leave me with inspiring energy Tara...that is how I always feel after visiting you...inspired! Truly your children are a beautiful reflection of you and your husband and Him..by His grace..
ReplyDeletethanks SO much for sharing
as always
xo
no higher calling indeed.
ReplyDeleteMight need to print those words and put them somewhere I can see them daily.:) Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI hope to have one of my own one day!!!! Such a sweet post.
ReplyDeletethis is so perfect! i feel exactly the same way. i humbly fall short often, continually seeking God's grace. i am well aware my example is a far more powerful teacher than my words. it is why when i am quick to anger i apologize, it is why my house is often a mess because i choose to spend time playing with them, why i gave up a 12 year career so i could the one to walk them home from school and start and end their days sitting down at the table together, it is why i pray outloud with my children about what is on my heart as well as theirs...
ReplyDeletexo, tessa
SIGH, wouldn't it be so much easier if somedays they just remembered what I taught them ... and forgot about who I was??
ReplyDeletePraise be to God that His mercies are truly new every morning!
Amen!!! I couldn't agree more:)
ReplyDeleteI love the way you went about this parenting post. Just love it! Love the quote. So true. Love your sweet prayer, too.
ReplyDeleteYou're always a breath of fresh air to me...even from afar!
xo,
Linsey
Very sweet and oh so true. My 4 children are now all in their twenties. Believe me, you have them for only the briefest moment. Savor it.
ReplyDeleteI love your Hallberg Nursery sign. Did you make it? Was their a tutorial?
gorgeous photos! and no, there's nothing better than being a plain ol' mama :)
ReplyDeleteThere is such truth in your statement. It is good that you savor every moment with them. Before you turn around they have grown up and flown the coop.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Amen!! Beautiful prayer for a mothers heart indeed!! =)
ReplyDeleteAmen, amen, AMEN! I've missed your blog - and what a perfect post to get me back into Tara-mode!! Love it - xoxo
ReplyDeleteso heartfelt.your family is just beautiful. i love your prayer...thank you. children are such gifts, i'm so grateful for mine.susan
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more!!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are so precious and the words ring so true! Thank you for this today. :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful words, that prayer deserves a frame...
ReplyDeletelet it be so!
Amen to that! Our children truly are gifts from God. I thank Him daily!!
ReplyDeleteWow, that was beautiful and what a great reminder.
ReplyDeleteSo true...God's biggest miracles are his "little ones"
ReplyDeleteand His grace is sufficient. ox
ReplyDelete