I Love You

“I love you,”

said a great mother.

“I love you for what you are

knowing so well what you are.

And I love you more yet, child,

deeper yet than ever, child,

for what you are going to be,

knowing so well you are going far,

knowing your great works are ahead,

ahead and beyond,

yonder and for over yet.”

- Carl Sandburg

This is my third little boy. He is 5. He is a very typical 5 year old boy in many ways. Many moms of 5 year old boys will know exactly what that means. I find comfort in that truth. I find comfort in knowing that I am doing my best, praying daily and seeking God for this precious little boy. I am not poetic so I really like this Carl Sandburg poem. It captures my heart.

I must admit there are times I wish I could control my children, that they would act perfectly but the truth is they are individuals. They will stand before God without their mommy at their side. My job is to teach them what is right, teach them that there are consequences, give consequences, show grace, pick and choose my battles, take so many things into consideration, it can be overwhelming but with God's help I can do it, I am doing it.

My first few years of being a mom were filled with questions, self-doubt and overwhelming love and emotions that I had never experienced. I remember thinking, "If I do everything right in training, disciplining and correcting my children now, then it will be so much easier later." There is truth to that statement but it definitely wasn't what I thought. I worked so hard to have my children obey and neglected to consider so many things. I stressed myself out and in turn stressed my children. Those were hard years. I am so thankful for the perspective I have today. I am enjoying being a mom so much more. My faith has grown, my love for God has grown and I am watching my boys grow and praying daily for the men they will become.