Marriage and family

I've been thinking a lot about marriage and family lately. Not surprising, I guess, since being a wife and mother are my two top priorities right now. In the women's Bible study I attend, we've spent the last two weeks on marriage and loving our husbands. We were challenged to read on marriage for 5 minutes a day. I love that, and I'm going to do it. On our trip to Texas, I was asked to tell my stories of "finding a husband" by one of the girls on the trip. She got the complete rundown ... good, bad and ugly. Sharing all of that reminded me of how unique God's love and grace has been to me in His choosing of a mate for me. I'm so thankful for Doug and what we've created together in our marriage and family. It's only by God's providence. We attended a family wedding recently, and I couldn't help but enjoy the memories of our own wedding and the years that have led up to this time in our lives. My fondest memory of our wedding day was the absolute peace that I was marrying the right man. All the details didn't seem to matter. The early years of our marriage (when Doug was in seminary and I was in my first teaching job) weren't altogether blissful, but I'm again grateful that we (well, mostly me) created accurate expectations of each other during that time. Once we moved to NOLA five years ago, it seemed like the life we'd imagined together while dating was happening (him in ministry and me at home with kids), which made expectations even more clear. As we've added children to our house, it's been a delight to see how much of life is an adventure as we learn and grow in Christ alongside each other. I love my man.

As for the parenting part, I've enjoyed the support network that seems to find me. It's changing all the time. I'm grateful for the MOPS group I've participated in for the last year and half. I love that the boys and I get a break from each other, and I am handed some kind of "mom-wisdom" that's practical and helpful for the present season. I'm also surrounded by willing older moms to encourage me as long as I'm open to hearing from them. I love that a huge portion of parenting skills are verbally passed on from one generation to the next. This week I started participating in a class using the book, Boundaries with Kids by Cloud and Townsend. I already love it and anticipate lots of yummy conversations (over hot tea, of course) with Doug about the content. This week I was thankful for the reminder to not simply manage the moment, but to look to the future while parenting. That alone has caused me to worship God greater as I thank Him for these two little boys in my care. I can see their growth in responsibility and love towards each other. And, then, to think that another little boy will join our clan. I'm in awe that God would choose me to be their mom. What a treasure. I love my little men.