Can I just say that my son is the cutest, most adorable child in the world? I can, because I'm the momma. : ) A momma's heart can truly get stretched, though, when we see our babies struggle and we want to be their hero and their everything, but we know we need to let them learn. Like this past week... it's been the "pre-crawl" week and my baby boy has been adorably frustrated at times. He finally figured out how to get on his hands and knees. Then he started the rocking back and forth thing, but that didn't get him where he wanted to go. So next he tried putting his bottom up in the air, but no, he was still in the same spot. Eventually he realized he had to move his hands one at a time, but...he could only manage to move them closer to himself, not farther away. So backwards he went, farther and farther from whatever toy he was trying to reach, until his legs got stuck under the couch. I rescued him and sat him back in the middle of the room so he could try it again. We have now repeated this process countless times in the past days.
It's so easy and tempting to just give him what he wants or to just reach out my arms and hold him. Yet every time I let him try it again, he gets better and better at it. Today he realized that by using his hands, one knee and one foot he can hobble forward slowly. It's hilarious. But one of these days, he's going to figure it all out and a whole new season of mommyhood begins.
I wonder who learns more in this whole parenting process...the child or the parent? I feel like I'm getting a big lesson on not giving up and on trusting God's timing and seasons in my life. We try to push so hard to the next thing, and although diligence and perseverance are essential, so are peace and joy in the middle of every moment we are given.
Wow! I just finished reading all your posts. You are a very gifted writer and an inspiration to all of us! You truly spoke to my spirit...and my heart! :) I enjoyed laughing, crying and reflecting. Thank you. Your experiences, though they may be growing and stretching you and your family, also are growing us that read these posts. I remember those days of watching my children begin to crawl, then walk. It is quite an experience. I oftened imagined my Father in heaven watching me learn to "crawl" and then "walk". Just as you want Joshua to learn and are having to hold back that desire to rush in...so our Father does the same. You are correct in saying, You aren't sure who is learning more through this journey of motherhood. :) Thank you again for sharing your life with us.
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