Time to Learn the Word “No” (with Grace AND Truth)

A little Momma Tara Math for you to kick off your Wednesday:

Complete-Crawl-Across-An-Entire-Room-MOBILITY + Lots-O’-Interesting-And-Some-Potentially-Dangerous-Things-To-Poke-Into = Time-For-Baby-To-Learn-The-(Good!)-Word-“NO”

(Yes, yes, I know I probably shouldn’t have even let her do this even just ONCE. But oh! It was SO CUTE to see her discover the bowls. Move the food bowl. Play with it. Discover the WATER bowl. (Her eyes LIT UP. She began to move so purposefully towards it. I ran for the camera.) A one time freebie because it was so entertaining for me AND to encourage her that there really is a super interesting and fun world “out there” for her to discover now that she is mobile. Hopefully it won’t warp her character too much. 😉 )

In all seriousness, though? I’m also reading and re-reading Randy Alcorn’s Grace and Truth Paradox and reminding myself that if Christ is not raised, my parenting is in vain, because OH MY STARS! But it is just WAY too easy to focus on behavior. Performance. To-Do’s. This is true in all of life, but especially when it comes to parenting our children.

I am really praying and seeking counsel and striving to discern what wisdom and love look like re: parenting.

– Is “letting this go” mercy? Grace? Or indulgence? Foolishness?

– Does my daughter need a discipline now? Or a hug? Maybe both?

– She is feeling the weight of her sin. How do I appropriately help her to understand the ramifications of sinful, selfish choices—while at the same time help guard her from utter despair? (I, too, am tempted to take my eyes off of the Cross when I feel overwhelmed by my “badness.” But Christ is raised! God is at work. Aslan is on the move.)

– What does it look like for me to encourage my children and comfort them with the great hope and assurance we have of Who God is? His redemptive work throughout all of history? His redemptive work in our family; in our lives?

Grace and truth. Truth and grace.

This is what I am praying for today!

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Blessings on your Wednesday,
Tara B.