Jennifer’s #Onebigtruth

I’m so excited for you to get a #ONEBIGTRUTH from another one of our contributors today. Anytime a mom of triplets speaks, I listen. Actually triplets or one child, she’s one of the best out there. Thank you Jennifer. I love your heart – Courtney

MY #ONEBIGTRUTH

by Jennifer of Lots of Scotts

When Courtney pitched the idea of One Big Truth I knew instantly that I needed to share—not because I have it all figured out, but because God continues to use this particular headline to profoundly shape my life as a wife and Mom.

In a busy world full of checklists, handbooks, blog posts and pins it is tempting to believe that there is a right way to do this marriage & parenting gig. I can not tell you the hundreds of dollars I have spent on books, the thousands of hours I’ve spent reading articles full of expert opinions and searching the web for “THE way” to get this all right.

It is all rooted in a good place. I get that raising little souls and being helpmate to an adult one is a very important job. I want to do my best. I long to hear the Lord say one day, “Well done.” And yet, what starts as a worthy endeavor can still lead us astray.

Instead of being inspired by lists with titles like “101 things your child should know by Kindergarten” or “15 ways to show your child you love them” I felt more overwhelmed.

I have watched other wives and Moms I admire and tried to transfer what I perceived as their ‘system’ to my own tribe—with various degrees of success. Through bumps, bruises and scrapes I have realized that while there are certainly guiding principles, there is no one right way.

The funny thing about raising triplets is that I am reminded at every turn that even though I am parenting in the same way at the same time, these are little individuals with their own struggles, strengths and bents. There is far more at work in them than me. (Thank you, Lord!)

Time after time as I have found myself overwhelmed at another list that seems to indict me for not doing things exactly the right way, I have been drawn to the feet of my Father and reminded that HE IS THE WAY.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6

There is absolutely a place for encouraging writing that spurs us on towards love and good deeds…but at the heart of it all is the reminder to ABIDE in the Lord. If He is really my Lord, I should take my parenting struggles, questions and fears to Him first. He is faithful to quiet my spirit and remind me that He has a plan for each of the lives in my home (including mine).

I still read the books, the blogs and the lists—but I do it now with a prayer of “show me, Lord, what you have for us in these words.” Just because something works for someone else, doesn’t necessarily mean it will for us (and vice versa). Many times the same ‘way’ isn’t particularly true from child to child.

So, here is my One Big Truth.

I must refer not to 257 handbooks and articles….

 

… but to the Maker of each of these precious and unique people. He is writing the story—I look to Him for what is next.

 

And while I certainly do wish there was a quick and easy app that announced in advance of each scenario which way I should go, the peace that comes from abiding and trusting through each new phase, twist and turn cannot be beat!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

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