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Giving the gift of Humility to Our Kids in a Me Only World



Moms, stand as a hedge between your kids and the "what's in it for me" rush in our culture!  The best gift we can give our kids, is the gift of knowing it is not all about them.

Because, (wait for it) it is not all about them.

How can it not be, when they are the most amazing and cherished children in the world?  At least mine are the most amazing.  Loving my three boys has been the best part of my life.  Right behind  my husband and God.

I would love to say I faithfully kept these priorities throughout their lives and I never obsessed over or stressed them out with my "loving."  Or that work or helping someone else didn't ever come before them all at times.

Reality is, sometimes it is easier to make life all about them.  

Or is making it all about them really about making it all about me?

It is so easy to do.  

And so important not to to do.

If I could pass any words of wisdom to Moms raising young children; it would be to intentionally live out humility and right priorities.  

I've just joined the "Empty Nesters" club, and believe it will be more important than ever for me to model, live and teach humility.  

To lead, instead of push.  To take responsibility for me, now that it is no longer "all about them."  To share my reflections of learning with them.  

Keeping this very fine line in mind.

Ken Blanchard says, "Humility does not mean you think less of yourself.  It means you think of yourself less."

From this moment forward... (Isn't this said at weddings?)
 The way I want to model humility is:

1.   Walk Humbly with My God.The more time I spend in God's Word, prayer and walking with Him daily; the bigger and better perspective I have.  I have a different vision and purpose for being. 

2.  Foster Servant's Heart for My Husband.  Do I put him above myself?  How do I show and express this?  If I am to model to my boys a woman who loves her husband well; how can I do it intentionally?

3.  Fulfill my Calling.  Rekindle the fire and passion for the hurting and oppressed.  To serve as a coach.  To love my family.

4. Sacrificially Love my Boys.  To pray for and love them well so they have the security of knowing they have someone always holding the ropes for them.  To release them.  To not allow my fear of abandonment and rejection keep them tied to me.  I will give them the freedom to live their lives and ask good questions. 

5.  Connection with Big Family.  My extended family.  What ways can I honor my parents?  Not in a codependent and unhealthy manner, rather giving unconditional respect and honor. How am I serving them?  Reconnecting?  Am I modeling to my boys a right priority in relationships? 

6. Serving God's Family. Belonging to a church family keeps my family's perspective.  A church family gives our children the gift of belonging to something bigger than themselves.

7.  Lifelong Reflection and Learning. Lead by humbly seeking wisdom and continuing to grow and learn. What am I reading to challenge my thinking and grow?  Am I spending time reflecting on my learning, being and acting?


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