Even "Big Kids" Need Mommy

Malachi 4:6a

He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children,
and the hearts of the children to their parents;

"You never spent time with just me anymore."

He broke my heart.  In my rearview mirror, the look on his innocent toothless-grin face pleaded for my undivided attention.  Then the baby started to cry, and he reached over to soothe her.

He loves his baby sister.  Never once has he been resentful or jealous of her neediness.  He has such a helpful, kind heart for our new family member.  He begged for a sister.  He is a proud big brother.

But, he's my first baby.  He was my one and only.  For the first five years, it was us against the world.  Us against the expectations.  And, we blew them out of the water.



Then God blessed us with a husband and a daddy.  And, he's pretty awesome.



Then in June, our family grew by one more.

In my mind, I was still just a mother and a wife.  I spent the last month working on The Husband Project.  I made sure that I didn't neglect my role as wife.  That's the role I've been told gets neglected.

But, in the midst of being a "new" mom, I forgot to be a mom.  I forgot that seven-year-old boys are stuck in the middle.  Not yet a teenager, but not a baby anymore.  He can feed himself.  He can dress himself.  But, I forgot that this little independent person still needs me.  I forgot that seven-year-old boys need attention, even when they don't cry and fuss.  I forgot that seven-year-old boys need conversation, even when it is about the design of his next birthday cake.



Tonight, I'm taking my little man out on a date.  Daddy is watching the baby so it will be just him and me.  One-on-one - to talk about spelling tests and Lego sets.. the things that really matter at this age.

Lord, thank you for blessing me with these beautiful kids.  Give me the wisdom and strength to raise them and teach them about your grace. Help me to remember to take time to love on them as individuals.  Amen.

 

Psalm 127:3-5

³ Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
⁵ Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.