Patience and parenting.

At 44, I welcomed my third (and final, hopefully! Lol) child! Ever since my husband and I learned we were expecting, I was over the moon. And once he arrived, it was love at first sight. 

Austin joined his siblings, Christie (24 at the time) and Dallas (13 at the time). So I had some experience with little ones - although it had been a while. I was just so thankful God allowed me another opportunity to see the world through a child's eyes.

Boy, it's amazing how different you look at child-rearing when you're older. More patience. More grace. Did I mention more patience? Austin is now three – where does the time go? Truly. I can't count the number of times I thought: enjoy this moment, it will be over before you can blink. The moments when I would lay him down (sound asleep, mind you), only to have him snap those big brown eyes open and begin the 32nd round of crying. More rocking. Then the contorted climb out of the glider to tip-toe, gently laying the monkey down. Finally, silence!

As I watch him grow and learn – mastering one step before moving onto the next and most recently, to riding his "big boy bike"! – I'm reminded how patient our heavenly Father is with us. Through our screaming and crying as we learn and grow, He is always patient with us. He waits for us to join Him so we can enjoy the blessings he has for us.

Understanding what God had planned for me took me more time than I would like to admit. And I'm still learning! We are a stubborn people - forever trying to "make things happen". There is a saying: Let go and let God. It has proven to be true in my life.

Jeremiah 29:11 says God knows the plans He has for us. Plans to prosper and not hurt us. Plans to give us hope and a future. 

The next couple of verses continue: "In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.  (vs. 12-13).

If we seek God, we will find Him. I see Him everyday when I look at the sweet faces of my children. I see Him in the wonder of a brand-new day. I trust that He wants to prosper me. Living daily in that trust requires FAITH – and a desire to surrender to His plans for us.

Making an intentional choice to walk with God has changed me. He has plans for my future. I seek to serve Him and share His hope with others. I was in my mid-thirties before I truly began "living" - not worried about tomorrow but living for each moment. It wasn't until a few years later than I began to understand my purpose. Encouraging women who are struggling with tough decisions or those who just need to know someone understands them and believes in them. I sure do thank God for His patience with me!

Are you ready to change your life? Are you ready to embrace the plans He has for you? It will not be easy - but it is simple. Make the choice today to seek Him. He created you for a purpose too!

Come see me as I embark on my new adventure: www.CultivateChangeCoaching.com. 

I'd love to hear what God is doing in your life :)

And I'll keep you posted with occasional Austin updates as we discover God's plans for him!

xo,
Kelly

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