Had I known back then what I do know now, I wonder how different our lives would be? What if I had a close and personal relationship with God, put Him at front and center, the focus of my life and everything? Would that of made me a better mother? Maybe a better wife? Nobody really knows for sure. What I do know is God led me to this very place and time, on purpose and for a reason.
Even though I was far, I mean, far from any sort of perfection, only knowing of God but not how He worked in my life, I really do think and believe I turned out alright! Flaws, messiness, mistakes, just me in the raw. Yeah, pretty sure God was able to see through me and my circumstances, knowing there was a higher purpose (when I was blinded to it all).
My granddaughter, the next generation. Oh, how I want her to have more opportunities than I had and be filled with great knowledge and wisdom at a young age. She is a sponge! This beautiful child of God is loved so very much by all of us. She tries new things, is curious, courageous, and has a sense wonder. When she tries, and is not as successful as she hopes the first time around, she gets back up and keeps problem solving and practicing until she figures it out or finds a way to come to her own understanding or master a skill.
As adults, it’s easy for us to depart, give into other distractions, not give God enough of our undivided attention. If we are not giving God enough of ourselves, imagine what it’s like for children! They are young and impressionable. They look up to us, depend on us for all their needs. How can we train up our own children in the way they should go when we, ourselves do not have an understanding about who it is we are and how to live the good life and on the righteous path?
Raising my own children (my oldest daughter being the mother of my granddaughter pictured here), I thought I royally messed up, seemed like I did so many things wrong and felt like a total failure. I was critical, hard on myself, unforgiving and very unkind in my thoughts thinking I could have done so much better…but how? I did the best I could with what I had (and that had to be enough).
Seeing the bond and love shared between my granddaughter, her mother, her father, their dog (and the rest of us too), she is filled will great joy, unconditional love, making a statement and letting it be known how brightly her light shines, being a child of God!
Everyone has their own way of guiding children through everyday life, circumstances, developmental changes, emotions and so much more. When everything is done with pure intention, unconditional love, knowing they are safe and can trust the people they are with, they will continue to live a life loving and serving God in the best ways they know how.
Magnificent Meraki 