“How many of your kids had tantrums on the way here?”
My heart rate quickens as I look around the room. Several moms raise their hands and chuckle. We sit in a MOMCO meeting surrounded by flowers, pastries, and coffee.
I think about my two kids and my desire to raise them well, to be a good example even in the chaos of 2 under 2.
But as I’m listening, the speaker’s words strike me, “We can be gracious with our kids because God is gracious with us.” Wow.
I knew I was supposed to be nice to others-especially my spouse and children- but this pricked my heart.
So often, I’m rushed or flustered, and I forget to be gracious—tender. Instead I rush out commands.
“Put your shoes on!”
“Don’t spill that!”
But in the midst of interacting with others, we can be tenderhearted.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:32, ESV).
He was tender even when he was tired and stressed. Despite sleepless nights, he thought of others.
Even when my kids throw tantrums or struggle, I want to acknowledge their emotions and love in words and actions.
Dealing with difficult moments is uncomfortable, but it provides an opportunity.
We can be tenderhearted to others because Christ is tenderhearted to us.
Here are some things helping me to become more tenderhearted!
Reads
Just finished Ann Swindell’s novel Christmas in the Castle. It’s not my typical genre, but it’s a cozy holiday read with theological depth, and it isn’t your typical Hallmark Christmas story. Several times, the author points us back to Christ and His sufficiency.
Gospel Mom: The newest book from Risen Motherhood! Love their ministry and the privilege of writing for them.
Recordings
My husband recently preached and shared an encouraging message about being in Christ. It was both practical and thorough.
A message on the 7 types of prayer and the blessings of bringing our petitions and praises to the throne when life’s hard.
Recommendations
My cousin just opened an online shop! Check it out for cute stickers, totes, and shirts!
Sample Design
What are you listening to/reading?
This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale—an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs Click here to view the next post in the series "Tender."
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Birth Story
On September 24th, 2024 I became a mother of 2. It’s been almost a week and the details are already getting fuzzy. I took a moment to record the birth story and hope that it can be encouraging to you.
Beautiful reminder of the love continually poured for us, even as we find ourselves unloveable. I was in this place today— not a great reaction to an unforeseen conflict— and through asking for forgiveness and the love of my family, we continue forward.
What helps you be tender with others in stressful seasons?