SINCERELY, MOM

An open letter to my children:

Please do not be embarrassed as I share my heart through this blog. I come from a family unaccustomed to openly complementing each other (My "I love you's" are as rare as desert rain.); but let me nonetheless do that right now.

Too, I'd like moms elsewhere to seize the moment. There may not be a next time, especially when your kids live in another country. So this is my warm-my-kid's-heart day―in lieu of an unattainable cuddle time.

I thank God for you! We've surely had our shortcomings as parents―oh, quite a lot! But by His grace, you too have come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. And you've married spouses, and became parents of children, who love God. That's our greatest reward―that your entire household walk in the fear and instruction of the Lord.

Oh yeah, once in a while, my heart is gripped with fear, especially when I imagine our grandkids growing up in a world where "bad-ass" behavior is applauded, where defying the rules is the norm,  where being godly is ridiculed, and the gospel of "do-what-makes-you-feel-good" is preached.

What if they get bullied if they stand for their Christian values? What if they get hooked on forbidden pleasures? What if they reject godliness and righteousness, and shun Jesus as their compass? Because the bible talks of a time―which I believe is now―when lawlessness will increase and the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12).

But you know what? My what-if fears have been overshadowed by His Grace: His promise to never leave you or forsake you. His promise to bless from generation to generation of those who fear Him. No fear in God! He's in control, still seated on the throne.  

By His grace and with your spouses, you've prioritized the family members' needs more than your bank accounts.

Daughter, you sacrificed your career to make sure you're always there for your husband and kids―your schedule built around their school hours and their activities. With your new online business, you're now a step closer to being more accessible to them, especially in their critical growing up years. 

I know vanillacandy.com.au will be blessed because you've sought His will.  With your passion for fashion, you will one day be designing and manufacturing your own clothes line, with your own daughter as your assistant. How cool is that?

Son, God used you as my Amazing Grace 101 lesson. From that frail little boy who wanted to retreat in a shell because you were too afraid of people, you've bloomed―into a loving and protective husband and father, a top-notch sales person and an anointed drummer. I have always believed that you can sell anything! Even Jones Bridge if you wanted to. 

May your dream to build your own business come to pass, in His perfect time, and as you persevere. Pray without ceasing! His promise is true. As you're faithful with little, God will make you in charge of more.

Your father and I love you all, lifting you up to God everyday―that He may shower you with good health, strength, safety, provisions, and most of all His peace that passes all understanding.

His grace abounds; so should you.