Thursday, November 15, 2012

Day 15: Parenting with Grace

Month of Thanks: Day 15

Thursdays are one of our less busy days of the week here in the Courtney family, however they are still busy. Dance class, grocery shopping & worship practice, nothing unbearable. Today on the way home from the grocery store I looked in my rear view mirror & my little Karly with her head buried in her elbow being silent (this child is never silent- that was my first sign that something was wrong). I asked her if she was ok, She looked up at me with big teary blue eyes & a quivering chin and said, "Mommy, its just too much!" as I continued to ask questions; I discovered that my little one is feeling maxed out. As a mom, I want to raise a well rounded child, I want her to know her strengths & succeed in the areas God had gifted her in.

Once I asked a friend, who is also a mother of 3 very well rounded children what is the best advise she could give me? Her reply was, until she is 8 lets her try everything that she shows an interest in, then at 8 sit down & choose 1 or 2 things that she is going to stick with & dive into those activities. I took this advise to heart. it is my favorite piece of parenting advise!

Over the years Karly's schedule has gotten fuller & fuller. Gymnastics, Dance, Piano, Basketball, Soccer, play dates....I know the dangers of overstimulating but I never saw the signs. She seemed to love the actives & bounce back & forth really well. Today was a HUGE wake up call. We had a really "deep" long talk, she told me what she liked, what she didn't, that she just wants to play at home and not always have to go somewhere. It hit me really hard & at one point we were both crying. Here I was doing everything in my power to create this well rounded little person that I forgot to ask her what she liked. I failed her as a mom, Hearing "mommy I was afraid to tell you I didn't like it" felt like someone shoved a knife through my heart. I am so thankful for her ability to articulate her feelings. I do not always get it right as the mom, everyday is a new learning experience. We've had a lot of changes this year and as much as I think kids are super adaptable, every kids is geared differently and I'm learning that my daughter loves to be at home, she wants time to read & color & play with pets... and that is ok with me! I love her crazy side & I love her quiet spirit.

I am so thankful for grace. Grace & Mercy to make mistakes & start new again. Sometimes I make small mistake & sometimes they are huge, but I love that God sees them all the same.


God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,

    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
    How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
    He’s all I’ve got left. Lam. 3:22-23 (msg)

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