Last week brought a delightful mix of highs and challenges for our family, creating a tapestry of memories that we'll cherish for years to come. One of the standout moments was our family hike to Usery Mountain, a day filled with exploration, laughter, and shared achievements.
The adventure began as we embarked on a family hike, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Usery Mountain. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as the gentle sprinkle of rain added a touch of magic to our outdoor excursion. After the hike we took the kids to one of their favorite parks at Usery that has wonderful climbing structures in the shape of cactus and rocks. Eva and Jack love climbing to the top of a rock structure but Eva always needs help from Danny climbing down. The joy of witnessing her climb down independently marked a significant milestone, and we couldn't help but celebrate this achievement together.
The morning also became a canvas for Jack and Elisha, who seized the opportunity to capture our family moments on video. With creativity in abundance, Danny skillfully transformed these clips into a heartwarming family movie—a cherished keepsake that encapsulates the joy and camaraderie we shared that morning.
Throughout the weeks we have recently been struggling with managing the many emotions of raising four kiddos, but especially three girls. In the midst of emotional storms, it's a natural instinct to want to fix things immediately. However, a recent audiobook has been a guiding light, emphasizing the importance of comforting our children and prioritizing the relationship before diving into discipline. It's a lesson that resonates deeply with relationship we have with God. We reflect on being children of God. The divine example sets a foundation of relationship and grace before conviction and teaching. This revelation has reshaped our approach to parenting, encouraging us to embrace a similar pattern in our home.
While tears and outbursts are familiar sounds in our household, we've made a conscious effort to introduce more hugs, snuggles, calming breaths, and prayers into the equation. It's a shift towards a more empathetic and compassionate response, fostering a connection that withstands the challenges of discipline.
The importance of connecting before correcting cannot be overstated. Our focus has shifted from immediate problem-solving to creating a space where emotions are acknowledged and embraced. In those moments of vulnerability, we've discovered that our children not only need guidance but also the reassurance of a comforting presence.
As we navigate the intricacies of parenting, our goal is to build a foundation rooted in love and grace, just as God shows us as His children. Every outburst becomes an opportunity for connection, and every tear is a reminder to offer comfort first. Each time we allow our emotions to cause us to react rather than respond we know that we can try again. God has endless grace for us and is always there when we repent, therefore that is the same kind of relationship I want to have with my kids and its the kind of relationship I want my kids to know they have with their heavenly father. We can always point back to the strength and guidance the Holy Spirit provides and remind our kids that they can pray for guidance and peace at any time.
While every week has its share of struggles, the highs we experienced together overshadowed any challenges we faced. From Eva's conquering of the rock structure to the collaborative effort in creating a family movie, it was a week that reinforced the importance of togetherness, resilience, and the beauty of shared moments.
