It's funny how your days off are the quickest days of the week! Today was a fun day filled with baby smiles, cuddles on the couch, and a movie date (early) night for me and hubby! I'd say it was a Labor Day well spent! Today I want to introduce you all to a woman I have known since I was very small - she and her family grew beside my brother and I, watching us grow as we played in the backyard with her children. Lynne has a heart for the Lord and has been a personal encourager to me as I have struggled in my victory over anxiety. Mother to two children, one being autistic, she has a lot to teach us about patience, compassion, and the unconditional love of a mother. Enjoy!
1. Tell us a little about yourself! I am 48, married for 22 years, have 2 kids: Christine - 21, still my little girl, and Alex - 15, who is autistic. I redo furniture and sell my stuff at the Cozy Cottage.
2. How has being a mother inspired you to change?I knew how I wanted my children raised, and I knew there were parts of myself that would not make me the best parent. When I was pregnant with Christine I told myself those things would never appear, and I would not repeat the past. I praise God for giving me the strength and ability to break the cycle.
3. What truths have you learned through being a parent?
I have learned absolute and unconditional love, and empathy that I did not understand until I was a mom. You will definitely love your second, etc as much as the first. Love for your children is never ending.
4. Can you recall a time when your children said, or did, something so out of the ordinary it shocked you? How did you respond?
Christine at three years old said a nasty word in my same tone, so I changed my language. Alex is different because of his autism his behaviors shocked in me in another way. Things we never thought he would do and achieve he has. At age one we did not know if he would ever walk or talk - the future was very confusing. I prayed that no matter what the future might be for him to be a joy and never a burden. That prayer is answered daily! He never meets a stranger. He brings a smile to the faces he encounters. He has brought more joy and compassion to so many - myself and his family included. My entire view of the world and people shifted. He brought me faith and absolute knowledge that the word of God is as God says, I AM.
5. What parallels have you been able to identify between your role as a parent, and God’s role as Father?
When feeling unloved I compare my love for my children to God's love for me, his child. A love that is so much deeper I can not comprehend. This brings me comfort and quiets my mind.
Thank you, Lynne, for your willingness to give us some insight into the changes you have seen in your life as a result of your children, and your hope in the Lord!
2. How has being a mother inspired you to change?I knew how I wanted my children raised, and I knew there were parts of myself that would not make me the best parent. When I was pregnant with Christine I told myself those things would never appear, and I would not repeat the past. I praise God for giving me the strength and ability to break the cycle.
3. What truths have you learned through being a parent?
I have learned absolute and unconditional love, and empathy that I did not understand until I was a mom. You will definitely love your second, etc as much as the first. Love for your children is never ending.
4. Can you recall a time when your children said, or did, something so out of the ordinary it shocked you? How did you respond?
Christine at three years old said a nasty word in my same tone, so I changed my language. Alex is different because of his autism his behaviors shocked in me in another way. Things we never thought he would do and achieve he has. At age one we did not know if he would ever walk or talk - the future was very confusing. I prayed that no matter what the future might be for him to be a joy and never a burden. That prayer is answered daily! He never meets a stranger. He brings a smile to the faces he encounters. He has brought more joy and compassion to so many - myself and his family included. My entire view of the world and people shifted. He brought me faith and absolute knowledge that the word of God is as God says, I AM.
5. What parallels have you been able to identify between your role as a parent, and God’s role as Father?
When feeling unloved I compare my love for my children to God's love for me, his child. A love that is so much deeper I can not comprehend. This brings me comfort and quiets my mind.
Thank you, Lynne, for your willingness to give us some insight into the changes you have seen in your life as a result of your children, and your hope in the Lord!