Give Them Grace

I am reading this book

and I am LOVING it. 

One thing I have struggled with as a new mom, 

and I knew I would from day one, 

is feeling like my child's actions and behavior will be a result of my good or bad parenting ability. 

As this book says, there is a formula that our society believes in- 

good parenting in, good children out

This book has freed me of this by reminding me of the Gospel.
I will never be a perfect mom, my kids will never be perfect children
we are sinners in need of saving and God gives us Grace.
I can't do this parenting thing on my own.
I will fail every time.
No matter how good my intentions are,
I will not always succeed.

We work because we love him and all he's done for us

We work because he's commanded us to work

And we work because he may use our efforts at parenting as the means to draw our children to him

But we are never to work because we think our work will ultimately transform our children

Our works are never good enough or powerful enough to transform any human heart.

I want Brooks to know that just like his mom and dad, 

he too can't go through life trying to do good on his own

I want him to know that every heartache and every failure is a great reminder of our need for a savior

every failed test, every toy not shared, every broken friendship, every tantrum thrown, every selfish act, every lie told, every time he is left out, every homework not done, every game lost, every time out, every bad attitude shown, everything that is hard and might hurt, 

I hope is a great reminder to him that he needs a savior

I want him to know Gods grace when he messes up everyday.

And I want him to see Gods grace shown from his parents as well. (that would be me and Trip!)

And I hope he will learn to give his imperfect parents this grace sometimes too!

I want him to want to do good, because of a thankful heart from knowing the grace given to him by his savior,

not because mom and dad said so.

And when success does come his way, I want him to know that it is only by the Grace of God!

I know this may not be anything he will understand for many years and that's ok,  

but one day,

 I pray he will.