Oh, girls, I need Jesus. We need Jesus. What does a mother of small children write at 8:36 at night when she still hasn't showered, her husband is gone and she's still a bit hungry? I need Jesus. That's what she writes. I've been taking this whole "humility" thing God's been teaching me and applying it in the context of my parenting. Oh, pride reareth it's wicked head faster quicker than Micah says "Yes!" to fruit snacks. It amazes me how quickly I can snap. The flesh is so weak. So very, very weak. Anyway, I've been thinking about how I so often parent from a heart of pride instead of humility. We are commanded to submit ourselves to all men. Does this not include my children? Are they the exception to the rule since they were placed under my authority? How can I submit to a three year old? I'll tell you how. The same way the God of the Universe submitted to us - by humbling himself to death, even death on a cross, for our salvation. True servant leadership. The Son of Man laid down his life every day He walked this earth and ultimately on Calvary. When the disciples reacted in unbelief and selfishness, He did not scorn or curse them, but in great humility, patience and understanding, He let Love dictate His words and actions. He was ever aware of His position before the Father in Heaven, and thus before men. He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Incredible. I can't even go through a day without pridefully letting my anger and impatience get the best of me with my two precious children...and Jesus left His heavenly throne to walk the dust of this earth with broken humanity. So how do I do it? How do I parent in humility? I begin by begging the Father to reveal to me all areas of my life influenced and ruled by pride (including my mothering) and ask Him to uproot it. I ask Him that I might learn of Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. I pray that in my interactions with Micah and Savannah, I see it as an opportunity to allow Jesus to clothe me with His humility and grace. I begin to see that I am not called to "lord" it over my children, but to gently guide them into all truth but speaking Life into their souls. I beg for help. That's what I do. I surrender my parenting to the sovereign rule of the Heavenly Father and ask Him to help me become more like Jesus everyday as I gently serve and lead two of His precious creations to the foot of the cross. Pride has no place here. Parenting, like all things we are called unto, is sacred ground.