Be the person you want your child to be. We all know what a good parent acts like, what she sounds like, even if we didn’t have one. Let’s act and speak like that.
We want our children to use their words to build others up. How then do we need to speak? It’s important that they are truthful, always, and full of grace. How then do we live?
We hope our children will see those who feel invisible, and that their attitude towards the other will be kindness. Do they see that in us? We want them to sow peace in this world. Do we? How would you want your child to think and act in the midst of stress, fatigue, or failure? Now let’s try to act like that. Be the person you want your child to be through each season of life. There is no expiration date on your influence.
What do you want most for your child, whether she be young or all grown?
I would want her to find the joy in all things, and to be ready with a smile. I would want her to say thank you and I’m sorry often and really mean it. I’d want her to open her heart to faith, love, forgiveness, adventure, and to always be satisfied with enough.
What do you want most for your child: whether he be under your roof, or his own?
I’d hope he wouldn’t make mountains out of mole hills. I’d hope he’d give other people the benefit of the doubt, and that he would be a man of his word. I’d want him to believe in his deepest places that God is good, and because he believed it, that he would love others lavishly, faithfully, and with gratitude.
I am a blessed woman indeed because I have a mother who is someone I want to be.
I won’t ever possess her personal talents and gifts, nor can I can I claim her enviable world-wide experiences, much as I’d like. My mom’s wide-ranging influence, and the multitude of people who call her friend, is a living testimony to her considerable, and creative, care for others.
Mom’s life gifts and experiences are uniquely her own: they have all shaped her into the stunning work that she is, and I cannot inherit them by birth-right. But I can own what she has lived out in front of me, and with me.
My mother has quietly filled a chest of eternal treasure for me, overflowing with beautiful lessons on how to be as a woman, wife, friend and parent. These living stones are more precious than any gems.
How to be a loving mother is more valuable to me than a string of pearls. How to be a true friend is more exceptional than diamonds. How to be a faithful wife to one husband is rarer than rubies.
I have been bestowed a one-of-a-kind piece of art that has been sculpted, like one of Michelangelo’s frescos, over the duration of an entire life-time. I am rich, no?
Happy birthday week to my beautiful mother. I look forward to seeing the ways she teaches me how to be in this next season of her life.
And joy to each of you, and an extra measure of grace, as you try to be the person you would want your child to be.
Kim
Given Breath 
Kim I love your blog. Such heart beauty in you words. I am one of the multitudes who call your Mom “friend”. I count myself blessed whenever we share lunch and conversation which never gets finished. She sharpens my iron consistantly. I marvel at her stamina yet know she is God-empowered as she fills and spills on everyone He brings into her circle. Thank you for this special tribute. A chorus of voices including mine shout “Amen.”
What a precious tribute to your dear Mother. You have a special gift of words and pictures to apply
the truth so clearly. I love her also as a a wonderful daughter in law (love).
I am sure your mother’s love and devotion has been passed onto you……you possess the gene that created her gifts ….I am sure every day HE is proud of her. She has been my sister and my hero.
I wholeheartedly agree. Your mom is amazing, and I’m privileged to know her and work with her.
Amen, Denise! Take good care of her, OK? Thanks for the note…
She loves you just as much, grandma. I love you, too!
I know it goes both ways, Elayne. Much love to you…
Take good care of her for me, OK? Thanks for the note, Beth:)
This is beautiful, Kim. May the joy of the Lord’s blessings overflow in you all today. xx
Thank you! That it my prayer, too. The JOY of the LORD is my strength….
Reblogged this on Given Breath and commented:
Parents: there is no expiration date on your influence.
Thank you for your beautiful post. I lost my mother 3 years ago, but she was a string of pearls for me! This is a great reminder of what I want for my children. I hope they will be as blessed as I was.
Hey, I came across you blog through your FYI if you’re a teenage girl post and have since been in love. I am a christian but usually Christian blogs are like so over the top that I don’t really look at them but yours is perfect its a little surprise in my email everyone time. Its just kinda like a sweet little message with cute pictures and its so true and useful every time. I always feel like I am leaving with almost a “mission” for my day to fulfill the little challenges that are kinda incorporated in you’re post like finding your “brave” and stuff
Love this…thanks so much for sharing.
Welcome Caroline! I am glad we found each other — it’s one of the best things about social media to me: the many ways we can encourage (and be encouraged) in our ‘mission’. Thanks for reaching out.
Kim
Thanks for reading!
I just stumbled on your blog through a share on facebook, but I’m glad I did! Great writing, great insight, great community, this is wonderful!
Parenthood is indeed a great responsibility, but what a privilege to be able to have such wonderful input into little slates. Our kids are a bit younger than yours, and we still have tons to learn, but we’re loving it.
Thanks for sharing!
dan.