03 Jul On Parenting and the Psalms

A blessedly brief Monday meditation on parenting and the psalms, for us weary mommas in the thick of summer vacation, 100% humidity, squabbling siblings and selective hearing.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. ~ Psalm 103:8-12

I may be biased, but my children are beautiful. Oh how I love the curve of their cheeks, apple red with heat, sometimes, or anger, if I’m being honest. And chubby toddler legs and stocky little boy bodies that still demand snuggles on the regular. And yes, I’m still all gratitude to curl my fingers around the lanky tween girl child’s decorated nails.

The weight of my boys and the warmth of my girls is the kind of weight that has magnitude. It’s a weight that sinks into my momma-soul, responsible for these tiny humans. There is so much to be afraid of, so much to worry about, so many rules for being the best kind of mother in today’s culture. And too, so much to cherish, and rejoice in. It’s terrifying bliss.

I tuck my tribe under their colorful sheets with simultaneous kisses and dire threats to prevent escape and wander upstairs to breathe a little.

How much do I love these image bearers? And how much more does my Heavenly Father love me? 

And in the dog days of summer, how does this knowledge of gospel and grace transform my parenting, pouring out onto the tiny tribe I shepherd in a merciful reflection of how He shepherds me.

#parenting goals.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

~M.