Take me instead…

Mom! WHY am I ALWAYS caught doing something I should not be doing?! Funny how sometimes we find out in the newspaper the things that our children have done, good or bad. When they are small it is “Bear – y Cute.” The love we have for our children is never ending, no matter their age or choices. I was asked by our oldest child multiple times, “WHY me?” The response put on my heart was this: The enormity of Gods love includes you. He wants you to be aware that HE has great things in store for you. He is giving you another opportunity to make the loving choice for yourself or others next time.  Probably not what he was looking for, but it was what it was.

Isn’t it always that way in life? Doesn’t it seem that the size of our mistakes grow as we do? As parents, it hurts to watch our children make bad choices by not thinking things through. We wish we could keep them from experiencing the pains we endured learning. Not only is this impossible, but those that have lost children often feel it’s not fair. Fair? We would gladly go in their place and shout leave MY children alone and take ME!

So many things go through our heads trying to make sense of loss. Did he take our child to punish us? WHY would He do this to me or my family?! God doesn’t stop many things that cause us pain. Walking by faith is believing in His purpose for good no matter the outcome we desire. As long as there is disease, free will and sin, evil finds a way in. As parents we care for the gift of our children beyond words. Your children know they are loved even if they choose not to reciprocate at times. 🙂

The largest lesson I’ve learned from losing a child (crossing the street no less) is that we are ONLY in charge of how we respond to what happens in this life. We all must learn in our own time. We are a vessel to teach our children right from wrong and give them unconditional love. This does not mean you will “save” them from harm or from horrific disease in this world. We do not have the choice of who leaves this world.  We can only correct and guide them with our knowledge. There is only One that can “save us” and He already did. He deemed His children worthy of love by giving His own son as a sacrifice. The love for HIS children gave us the assurance of eternal life for those that believe in Him. Do not wait for a tragedy to truly seek God, when you may have peace throughout trials today.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:7

Peace & Blessings!

MamaC

Photo: Trinity Lutheran School first grade class 2002.