Her First Communion

As a parent my biggest struggle and greatest joy is guiding my children in their relationship with Christ.
I want their faith to be their own, not something I force on them and they later reject because I was too overbearing.  I also don’t want to do too little now that someday when they are 23 years old (with two children of their own) they’re left embarrassed and clueless as they are sitting around a table with a bunch of Christian friends listening to references of children’s bible stories they’ve never before heard and feeling ripped off… terribly ripped off.

Or getting their oldest children baptized because it was “PAST time” according to the mom-in-law.  But this momma really didn’t have a clue what it all meant.  And was again, too embarrassed to ask.

I was lost, with nowhere to start.  I don’t blame my parents, they were facing their own struggles in this world.  And really, how do you know when you’re doing too much, or doing too little?  They probably did just what they were supposed to do, but it took me a little longer than most to “make it my own”.  Each child is so different and their needs aren’t identical, especially when it comes to their faith.

I want to give my children a firm foundation to build on.  And I’m learning more and more that I can’t do that just with bed time prayers, a little bible reading, and some intentional character building.  And I surely can’t make it a classroom style ordeal. I’ve gotta take time with each child and seek their individual heart right where they are and go from there.

 She took this faith thing and made it her own, just as I’ve always hoped that she’d do.  My heart is stretched so big right now. So big.
I’m grateful for the village that helped my little girl reach this milestone. What ever good things you’re working on right now, keep at it!

And if you’re sitting there wishing you could have your heart stretched by a child who is making their faith their own, worry not.  This sort of thing does NOT happen over night, but over many nights.  Or like in my journey, many, many, many MANY nights. Be blessed friends.  Oh, and please, if you’re the one reading this going, HEY that sounds like me!  I’m so clueless.  JUST ASK the questions you have.  Don’t put up a front or try to act like you know. Open your lips and let honesty pour out.  More than likely you will be filled with love, grace, and new knowledge beyond anything you could imagine.