Today's post isn't a devotion or any deep thought, but I hope it's a post that encourages moms who have multiple children.
My middle child is my wild child. His personality is big and his voice is even bigger. He feels everything passionately-he can make me laugh and want to pull out my hair all in the same minute.
I recently had a few minutes alone with him while his older brother was out doing birthday shopping and his younger brother was napping. During that time we had fun together--we shared peanuts, split a hot dog and actually talked. He would stop shelling peanuts to lean in for a hug and pause between drinks to tell me he loved me. I was honestly surprised at how pleasant our lunch was together.
I realized then how hard the transition to middle child must have been for him. His older brother is six--he gets to play t-ball, he gets to skip nap time, he has the ability to help more, and he is obviously more independent. His younger brother is not even three months yet. He consumes the majority of our attention at home and easily grabs the admiration from strangers while we are out. None of this is wrong or intentionally hurtful but my son is feeling the shift in his role. He's no longer the baby but also not old enough to be like his big brother. Some of his wild behavior is just a cry for the attention he was used to receiving.
I feel as if I'm not always doing the best I can as a mother to my children. As a mom it is my job to make him feel loved. I am aware that the world can't stop and focus solely on him, but I can take time to make him feel special in our world.
And while this extra time may seem difficult to find in my already chaotic world, I have the best example of this individual care from God.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 ESV
God has time for me! Anytime I stop and talk to Him, I know He's listening to me. And not only does He listen, He also cares. When I'm down, I can feel His presence wrap around me. When I'm sick, I know He's my healer. And even when I'm happy, I can simply praise Him and feel His joy. My God cares about me, He always has the time and attention that I need.
This example of His love challenges me to be a better parent. I have more than one child but that's not an excuse for my attention to be non existent. If my God has more children than I can imagine and more needs to tend to than I ever will, and can still stop and know the number of hairs on my head, then surely I can make sure my children know that I love them all the same.
Moms, this week I am challenging all of us to find a way to make each of our children know that we notice them. It doesn't take a lot of time--ask them about their day and actually listen, put down our phones and color with them, or just walk by and hug them unexpectedly. Let's give our children the same attention that God kindly gives each of us.
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