Moments that move

I thought I'd write about a few moments that have moved me this last few weeks.

My youngest son struggles when his feelings are "too big" for his body. The other day, the kids were teasing him, and he could sense he was beginning to lose control. He ran to hug me, and cried out, "Make it stop, Momma!" I could feel his body shaking at first and then calm down as he regained control, but he didn't stop hugging me. It touched my heart so much that I almost cried. I know he needs to learn to stop himself when his feelings start to escalate. For now, he needs me to be his safe haven. How I wish it was easier to manage our feelings! I am committed to teaching all of the kids how to be patient with others, speak kindly, and be responsible for how we feel, but it is so hard!

On Saturday, my daughter Laine called me on the phone and was in emotional distress. I was riding in the car with my oldest daughter, so I had the phone on speakerphone, meaning Kelly could hear the conversation. My youngest daughter admitted that when she was in 3rd grade (2 years ago), a boy had asked her if he could be her boyfriend, and she said yes. She said she didn't understand what that meant until I had spoken to her on Friday, playing with her and telling her that no matter how many boys thought she was cute, that she wasn't to have a boyfriend until she was 16. She told that boy right away that she couldn't be his girlfriend anymore, but then found herself unable to sleep all night because she had broken a rule. She was crying and telling me how sorry she was on the phone, and again, my heart was moved by her desire to do what was right and make things right. And then, Kelly, hearing her distress, told Laine that it was okay and that she loved her. I was almost in tears myself at that point, because Kelly and Laine don't exactly get along well, and for her to tell Laine spontaneously that she loved her just made my heart melt.

I find myself deeply connected to my children's individual struggles. As they get older and have to take more and more responsibility for their own choices, and as we get glimpses of some of the things they will have to overcome in their lives, I find myself being moved to prayer and reflection, trying to find ways to build their faith and reinforce their good choices. I'm so grateful for having good kids! I hope I can be the mom they need, the refuge they need, to keep growing up in the Lord.