What a gift to be a mother. The older my kids get, the more in awe I am to have the honor. When they were little, I remember just trying to survive the day, but now I find myself squeezing out every last ounce!  I love spending time with them. I love witnessing and experiencing their unique personalities; watching those personalities flow in sync at times and other times rub against each other like sandpaper.

This sandpaper analogy is something I've observed to be a constant occurrence as a mom. While it's uncomfortable in the moment, the purpose of sandpaper is to buff out the rough edges. Sometimes I need to step in and break up a sibling fight, but most times I need to walk away and let them duke it out. (How else will they learn to resolve conflict?)  Other times its heavier. In our case, my middle son was born with an extremely rare genetic syndrome. He's 11 and smart as a whip, but physically looks like a toddler. This causes him to face MANY challenges that break my heart as his mom and it affects his brother and sister as well.

In 2020, they had to watch their parents divorce which we all know is painful and traumatic for kids. Even now, years later, the going back and forth from mom's to dad's house is not ideal and affects them differently at different times.

I want to protect them from all of it!  I never want them to feel pain; we all know there is nothing worse than watching your kids suffer. It's in these moments, I have to remind myself that sandpaper has a purpose and if I let it do its thing, it will lead to a smoother future. I can't keep life from happening to them; all I can do is promise to stay close and help them navigate through it.

I take great comfort in the scripture Romans 8:28, And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

I always pray that my kids will walk in their God-given purpose, and this scripture tells me He WILL use all of their pain for good. I can rest in that. He is bigger and loves them more than I do.

I encourage you today get comfortable being uncomfortable!  If you're a parent, get comfortable letting your kids be UNcomfortable. It isn't fun in the moment but the work of the sandpaper is leading to something good.

Yet still, YAHWEH, you are our Father. We are like clay and you are our Potter. Each one of us is the creative, artistic work of your hands. Isaiah 64:8