My prayer is and always has been that my children would love and trust God and want to follow Him. God has given me a large family of seven kids and now fourteen grandchildren.
[bctt tweet=”Along the way we have had other young people in our home who would live with us for a time. ” username=”GaylWright”]
Some of these were exchange students from other countries. It was a privilege for us to be able to share our lives with them and include them in our family activities.
When our children were growing up we taught them what we knew about God and life. We read the Bible, prayed, and as they got older had many times of discussion. We tried to live by example, but I know we failed many times. Even so, God is faithful to forgive. Sometimes we needed to apologize to our children.
In God’s Hands
Now my kids are grown, some with families of their own, some still at home. I can’t control them or live their lives for them. My role as a mother is to love them, pray, and leave them in God’s hands. They are all on their own journeys as are we. Some are grounded and seem solid in their faith in God. Others are in different places even to the point of turning away from God.
[bctt tweet=”None of us does everything right, and there is room for a lot of grace in our lives.” username=”GaylWright”]
God doesn’t ask us to change people. In fact it’s impossible for us. Our responsibility is to be obedient and spread His love. That doesn’t mean we excuse sin. It does mean we trust God with our lives and our loved ones. There is no greater love than the love of God.
[bctt tweet=”I am close to all of my children, and they know that no matter where they are or what they do they are loved.” username=”GaylWright”]
Even in difficult times I have found that love is very powerful and helps in keeping lines of communication open. My children and I do not agree on everything, but we do make it a point to keep in touch and to show love in action
God Is In Control
It’s not always easy to realize we can’t control everything, but it’s freeing when we realize we don’t have to. God knows all and is much better qualified to be the one in that position. After all, He is our Creator.
[bctt tweet=”When we worry we show a lack of trust. Not only that, but it takes a toll on our own lives.” username=”GaylWright”]
How much better to trust and have a sense of peace, knowing that God is faithful! I must confess that I don’t always do this right away. Sometimes in the moment I forget and start to worry. Even when I am trusting, my body sometimes reacts anyway with a lot of tightness in my neck. It’s as if I think I have to carry the burdens of the world on my shoulders.
Peace for those who Trust in Christ
Sometimes my sons are out late and there is a tendency to start to worry about when they will get home. I’ve had talks with them and I know they love God and want to follow his leading. So when the temptation comes to worry rather than trust, I will pray instead. I’m reminded that God loves them more than I do and is working in their lives. Then I am able to go to sleep in peace trusting that He will care for them.
[bctt tweet=”To me it is thrilling to see God at work and to live my life trusting completely in Him no matter what happens each day.” username=”GaylWright”]
He has truly given me the capacity to love and reach out to those He brings across my path. Whether our kids or friends or strangers, everyone needs to be treated with respect. We need to accept them for who they are and where they are on their journeys.
Build Our Own Relationship with God
Instead of pointing fingers we can continue to address our own shortcomings and build our relationship with God. Only God can change hearts, but we can share His love. We can each do our part in obedience to our Lord, asking Him to help us every day.
Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you:
to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.
I want to leave you with a prayer/poem from my heart for all who are burdened for loved ones trying to find their way.
May Love Show the Way
Down a hole they seem to fall
So dark they cannot see
They think they are flying
It’s such a mystery
On and on they travel
Eyes blind to what is true
As their lives unravel
They know not what to do
We will always love them
No matter where they go
We can do no other
It’s how we hold them close
Our hearts break wide open
With tears we plead and pray
Lord, your love has spoken
Please help them find their way
~gsw~
I’m linking up with: #SundayThoughts #InspireMeMonday, #TrekkingThru, #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory, #CoffeeforYourHeart, #porchstories, #HeartEncouragement, #TuneInThursday, #FreshMarketFriday, #FaithOnFire
Dear Gayl,
What a blessing to have you as part of the team at Beloved Prodigal! I pray that your encouraging words would touch hearts, just as you have touched mine. I am so grateful for the ways that you look up to Jesus in the middle of your days, and point us to do the same. Truly He does care so deeply for us, and for our children too. Love & Hugs to you my dear poet/sister/friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
Thank you for your warm welcome as a new team member. 🙂 Thank you also for your encouraging words and your love and prayers. Blessings to you with love and hugs, dear sister/poet/friend. xoxo
Gayl – your words resonate with me today – 3 semi adult children who keep me on my knees – which is where God wants me to be (with my mouth shut more often than not!)
Thanks for your encouragement, Sue. Yes, responsibilities change as our children become adults, but we always need to pray. And yes, I know what you mean about keeping “my mouth shut more often than not.” Blessings to you and thanks for stopping by!
Gayl – congratulations on being a writer for Beloved Prodigal .. how exciting – I think the hardest thing for any of us to comprehend is we can’t change others, oh we try, especially with our kids, but as they grown, we have to trust that we have trained them right and then stand upon the scriptures that when they are old, they won’t depart from it. we are neighbors this week at #TellHisStory I’m hoping on on over to finish reading now.
Thank you, Debbie. I am excited to join the team. Yes, it is hard to realize we can’t change others, but we can trust God with them. That’s the best news. Blessings to you! Thanks for visiting!