What I Really Want My Kids To Know

“What if something happens to the plane, Mommy?” My six-year old asked with eyes wide open and tears close to spilling down her face. “What if we never see you again?”

I swallowed the lump in my own throat. What could I say? She had just put words to one of my greatest fears- leaving my children orphaned. I put the sadness behind me and did my best to whisper words of love… God’s love and mine.

But, there’s so much more I want to say. In just a few short hours I will be boarding a plane with my husband and flying the farthest away I’ve ever been from our children (who will be having a blast with Grandma and Grandpa!). I still need to pack, and make sure everything else is in order, but first, I want to answer my little girl’s heart-twisting question.

So, here is a list of over 100 things that I really want my children to know. There’s no particular order… some are serious, some a bit funny, but they are all from my heart.

I love you.
I am so blessed to be your mommy.
Daddy loves you too.
And he is proud to be your daddy.
God loves you even more than we can imagine.
Trust Jesus.
Don’t try to earn grace.
Be brave.
Forgive.
Pray hard.
Live like there is no tomorrow.
Set your hearts and minds on things above.
Time really does heal.
Read.
Read you Bible.
Read to others.
Love those around you.
Keep loving the hurting.
Dream big.
Don’t lie.
Seek Truth.
See the beauty in the sun shining through the clouds.
Know that storms will come.
Miracles happen.
Commit your ways to the Lord.
Soak up His Word.
Share your heart with others.
Take time to jump in the leaves.
Marvel at God’s creation.
It’s okay to cry.
You will feel like a failure.
You’re not perfect yet.
God’s not finished with you.
Sing.
Praise Him.
Cry out to Him.
Say you’re sorry.
Say please and thank you.
Let others go first.
Live a selfless life.
Marry someone who loves Jesus the most.
Stay pure until you’re married.
It’s worth the wait.
Struggles will come in your marriage.
Work hard to love and respect your spouse.
Keep Jesus at the center of your life.
Children are a blessing.
Crumb-covered floors and slobbery windows will only last so long.
The toys strewn all over the floor will be gone in a blink of an eye.
Everyone struggles to stay caught up with the laundry.
Give lots of hugs.
Take walks.
Play games.
Throw the football.
Find joy.
Take special time with others.
Make funny faces in the car window.
Don’t worry about spilled milk.
Try to clean up after yourself.
Share with others.
You can do great things.
God will give you strength.
Work hard.
Sleep when you are tired.
Take alone time when needed.
Have a routine.
Learn when it is good to say no.
Love your family.
Don’t complain or argue.
Your siblings will be your best friends.
Take goodies to your neighbors.
Shovel their snow for them.
Drink hot chocolate and hot apple cider.
Roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
Choose your friends wisely.
People will hurt you.
Be a loyal friend.
Go to church.
Be a good example.
Forgive yourself.
Thank God that His mercies are new each morning.
It’s okay to make pb&j every day for a week.
Pizza is still yummy as an adult.
Mirrors can be deceiving.
You are beautiful.
God made you special.
True beauty comes from the inside.
Go to the Bible for answers.
Don’t compare.
The grass is not always greener.
Be grateful.
Have backwards day.
Eat dessert first.
Have movie nights.
Try your best.
Work as if working for the Lord.
Be humble.
Know that it’s all about Christ.
Write down what God is doing in your heart.
Have Family Time.
Speak with kindness.
Encourage one another.
Some days are bad.
Trust God is working for good.
Seek His will.
Smile.
Enjoy today.
Send letters via snail mail.
Bake cookies.
Have Sunday sundaes.
Wear your jeans until they have holes in them.
You really do have something to wear.
Don’t worry.
Pray some more.
You’re going to do great things.
Don’t be afraid of flying.
Look out the window and enjoy the view.
Money doesn’t last.
Seek treasures in heaven.
Be courageous.
You really can be a super-hero in someone’s life.
Live for Jesus.
God is always with you.
Don’t be afraid.
Fear God alone.
I’m cheering you on.
Live each day for His glory.
You are precious.
You are loved.

My beautiful children, I love you!

Thank you for praying as we head to candidate at a couple small churches in the mountains. Please pray for clarity, God’s guidance, and safety. As well as for my “mommy heart.” I look forward to sharing with you all God will do when we get back. :)

Linked to The Better Mom, Monday Mom Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, and Women Living Well.