RUINED By a Baby

I just became a grandmother. And because I’m a writer I have to write about it. This post will be raw and unfiltered. I’ve heard many say, “If I knew how great having grandchildren was I would have had them first.” I never really understood because I loved being a mom and couldn’t imagine anything better.

And then it happened.

I was ruined by love with the birth of my first grand-baby.

My heart explodes daily. I had no idea what treasure had been waiting for me, and the joy a little baby would bring into my life.

Suddenly, my prayers seem more important.

Suddenly, my words seem more pungent and are released with a bit more caution.

Suddenly, I am more concerned about my legacy and making my choices count.

Suddenly, I am looking back with extreme gratefulness.

Suddenly, I feel the impact of years in the kid-trenches—changing diapers, whispering praises, correcting, and what seemed like unending chauffeuring.

Reflecting back my heart is full of thankfulness.

• I am thankful for the nightly devotions we did and every Bible story I read my son. I remember reading Proverbs 31 with him and talking about what to look for in a wife.
• I am thankful he took heed to what scripture teaches and chose wisely. I have every confidence that my daughter-in-law will be a godly mother and will pass on biblical principles to our precious grandson.
• I am thankful for every time I took my son to church, knowing teaching him about God was the most important endeavor a mom could do.

• I am thankful that I taught him about God at home and allowed him to watch his mom mess up, spin around, and get back on track.

• I am thankful for every activity we did—every walk we took, every book we read, every football we threw, every talk we had, every time we went to Taco Bell (his favorite), every time I sat in L.A. traffic to get to his college for our regular visit most weeks.
• I am thankful for every affirmation which passed from my lips.
• I am thankful that I allowed him to see my imperfections as a mother, so he now knows he need not be perfect to make his son feel loved.
• I am thankful I took every opportunity to share in his life.
• I am thankful I listened to all the stories (even the boring ones).
• I am thankful he saw his dad and I fight, because he’ll know Jesus can still shine through to your children even when you don’t display God’s love and kindness.

• I am thankful we stressed character over education or sports, knowing that character goes beyond awards and glory.

• I am thankful that as a mom I did the best I could, offering all I knew at the time and made changes when I failed miserably.

Most of all I am thankful I was present as a mom. I was present. I was there. It may not have always been pretty but I showed up. I was there, and I did my best.

What more can a parent do, right?

Are you a parent?

Do you sometimes feel your children are not getting what you are trying to teach? Do you sometimes feel all you do is not getting noticed? Do you sometimes feel that all the dishes, laundry, homework, talking, listening, cheering, crying, pleading, praying is all in vain?

Do you ever feel like this?

There is something I am absolutely certain of today.

Don’t miss this point.

It is simply this:

Parents, know that everything you do today counts and will have far reaching affects for your tomorrows – WAY beyond all you can see and imagine today.

Fondly,

Lu

Lucille Williams is the author of “From Me to We: A Premarital Guide for the Bride- and Groom- to- Be,” order a copy today. For regular articles about marriage and family give us your email address in the subscribe button.