tots on parenting #1

"...it is important to look at the big picture. Anytime we take on an important job, it is helpful if we have a vision for the end result. If you are building a home, you may not be able to see with your eyes what the final product will be, but you can, by faith so to speak, know what you are shooting for. The house plans lay out the complete design, and as each wall goes up, it should follow this master plan. Because mothering is very similar, a mother needs to see her daily tasks in the light of the whole design. Each day's work is significant, for it is contributing toward the long-term plan.....Though it may not seem like much got accomplished in a single day, all those nails in the walls do add up. " - (Praise Her in the Gates, Nancy Wilson)

"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." Prov 14: 1

It has been on my mind to record all these lessons learnt from books/thoughts/sharings from others... to remind myself, as well as to share them with others :) 

The daily routines of mothering can become mundane indeed... and for me personally, i do dread mundane. While I do not like changes and find comfort in routines, sometimes I do dread going through the same thing and doing it over and over again. yes, it can be wonderful, amazing to witness the development of Baby E, his smiles, his funny gestures. however, there comes certain days where I do wonder where I am headed and if there is any end state in what I am doing. 

I pray that the end state will be of Ezra, being presented to God, as a faithful servant of Him, loving God and doing the law of God as shared here. May everything I do as a mother, whether big or small, be used by God to lead this little one to this end state. While Ezra may be still young, he is indeed picking up every word and response we give. Yesterday as I was griping to PP about something, I realised his eyes focused on me, picking up every word, every murmuring tone that came out. oh, if he was more sensible, what a terrible influence I would have been! 

sometimes I wonder what I can DO exactly to teach him. must I preach? recite verses? nag and repeat? It has dawned on me while reflecting (as I type), that perhaps the best way to teach is by example. May our examples as fathers and mothers be pleasing in the eyes of God!