I’m reading a book and it was talking about how we shouldn’t worry. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 In fact, the author goes as far as saying that worrying is actually disobedience Telling a mom that she shouldn’t worry is like telling a dog not to wag it’s tail! What is she nuts?!?!
Then the author goes on to say that worrying is really a lack of faith. I started to think… If I was being honest with myself, I wouldn’t worry if I was certain of what was going to come. It’s when I am unsure of the outcome that I worry. But when I have faith – even when I don’t know the outcome I have nothing to worry about. Having faith means I am certain that even when I can’t see, I know someone is out there – even when I am uncertain, I know things will be ok.
I worry about Jaden making friends at school. I worry about people accepting him because of his allergies and his red/blotchy/hive ridden skin. I worry about Jaden being able to pay attention enough in school because he is so itchy all of the time. I worry about the triplets not talking yet, or when they throw temper tantrums. I don’t want them to grow up to be hot heads.
I worry about my friends who are going through hard times – is this friend eating enough, is this friend sleeping enough. It sounds so stupid, but I do worry. I don’t feel like I’m being disobedient. I feel like I’m being a normal mom and caring friend. Am I really being “bad”? Perhaps it’s not the feeling that you get that’s wrong – but rather what you do with your uncontrollable worry that really matters. Like I said, when you are a mom, I am convinced that it’s impossible not to worry.
When worry is on your heart, what do you do with it? Where do you go when you are unsure of what is to come? Do you try to control the situation to ensure an outcome you find acceptable? Do you pray about it? Telling God about what is going on and then have faith that He will take care of it? I think as moms, all we can do is turn it over to God. How could I possibly control how Jaden makes friends? I mean … without totally embarrassing him!
My sister and I talking and I realized that I am really good at loving my kids, but I’m not always good at teaching my kids things. Like the alphabet and stuff – I sometimes just don’t know what to do or how to incorporate it into our daily conversation. In addition to praying about my worries – I think I also need to pray about my shortcomings as a mother. Pray for God to teach me how to be a better mom – to use me as a vesicle to teach my kids the lessons they need in life.
That’s the best way I know how to handle worry? Pray about everything without ceasing. Pray while you are driving your kids to their activities. Pray for your kid’s day while they eat breakfast. Be in conversation with God always – he’s with you always, so it’s not like you have to make an appointment. He’s with you every step of your day – might as well acknowledge him and ask him for help. Right?
Love, Mel
I totally agree. Worrying is part of being a mom. I don’t think it’s lack of faith. It is even the opposite. Worry pushes us to pray and be comforted that God is there. 🙂
Just some food for thought… My youngest will be 2 on the 19th… With her, we count every time we walk down our steps in the stairwell… 1-35. EVERY time. Up and down. When I get her dressed after bathtime, we sing the alphabet together. When we’re going down the road, we chime in to nursery rhymes. When I point to things, I refer to them by shape and color. At this age, everything is being memorized, so the more you expose them to the basics, the more they’ll pick up.
“Come sit on mommy’s brown chair…” “Do you see how green the grass is?” “What does the kitty, puppy, birdy say?”
You’re not new at this 😉 Jaden looks to be a stellar example of your awesome parenting. He’s got a heart, and he feels for others! Don’t let life consume you… just focus, and breathe!
thank you for yet another reminder — my husband and two (of 8) kids are in china for two weeks on a mission trip. our family has traveled alot because of adoption and hubby’s work, but this was a first for me to stay home and put them on a plane to faraway 🙂 my devotional (streams in the desert) for the day they left — phil. 4:8 ‘don’t be anxious about anything.’ i’ve had to go back to this verse 1,000 times this week 🙂 and another 9 days to go 🙂
love you mel…. a mom in indiana 🙂
I was sad to read that you feel you have “shortcomings as a mother.” We have never met, but I can tell you that you have NO shortcomings. Our job is to love and teach out children. Some may teach ABC’s – I taught Math because I used to be a math teacher- others have more faith in theith motherings. You are doing a fabulous job.. Don’t ever feel like you aren’t doing enough for those boys. You are devoted to them every minute of every day and you can’t ask for more than that.
I most often pray for the ability to receive that which comes into my day. It has helped me worry less over the years.