Recently, the morning glory outside my kitchen has given me quite a lot to think about. A good gardener will tell you that sometimes a vine will grow where it is not wanted. Tediously and deliberately, I have trained this vine to grow up the trellis and along the guide ropes to higher places.
My children are so much like this morning inspirational vine. They don't just accidentally turn out as mature adults with strong character. All children, even ones as darling as mine, have selfish tendencies and attitudes. Daily dedication to the task is needed to help them along in their journey from immaturity to maturity. It takes purposeful guidance and patient assistance for our children to blossom and grow in strength. Children who are not taught to respond in love to hurting people will not naturally be compassionate for others. Personality differences will become permanent hindrances if children are not guided in how to properly handle conflict. Unmet expectations will lead to hurt, frustration and anger if children are not instructed that these obstacles can be overcome. I desire to be a consistent cultivator of my childrens' souls.
"Blessed are the children whose mothers garden in the soil of their souls. The fruit they bear will not only serve them in the future, but a whole generation will be beautified and enriched." Sally Clarkson, The Mission of Motherhood
Being intentional is the key. Happenstance doesn't produce the lush fruit in the next generation...only weeds. Thanks for sharing your heart.
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