in {her} shoes...sylvia

Sylvia from Homeschooling Through Triumphs, Trials, and Tragedies is a new blog friend of mine.  her story is heartwarming and inspirational.  last week, she participated in the Living Life Special blog carnival.  you can read her post here.  i hope that you are as warmed by her beautiful words as i was.

What is the most challenging part of being the type of mom that you are?

I think that I tend to worry too much about my children's health. No, I don't run them to the doctor for every sniffle or anything like that, but my faith in prayer took a big hit back in 2000 when my then two year old daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer. I had always prayed everyday that my children would be protected from illness and accidents, so I really believed that they would not get sick or hurt. It had certainly never occurred to me that this might not be the case. But the fact is that sometimes bad things do happen despite fervent prayers to the contrary. For quite some time I honestly struggled with wondering what the use of praying was if God was going to let bad things happen anyway. Thankfully, God and I have resolved my faith issues. I realize and can now accept that He has a perfect plan for each of my children-plans to prosper them and not to harm them. I can rest assured knowing that God is indeed in control. But I would be lying if I said that I didn't still wrestle from time to time with the feeling that there might be a disaster or catastrophe involving my children, lurking around the next corner.

What is the most rewarding?

The most rewarding thing about being a parent has been when I have been able to stand back and keep from interfering with God's perfect plans for my children. It has been an awesome and humbling experience witnessing the transformation of my children into become the amazing and wonderful young men and women that God has meant for them to be. All of my children are kind, compassionate and love helping others. It is amazing and again very humbling when I think of how with God's help, two insecure, bumbling country bumpkins (my husband and I), could produce such caring, socially conscious, confident, and successful human beings. But I don't think my husband and I can take credit for that. That is between the children and God!

What do you think are the most important values that parents can instill in their children?

The most important thing we can do as a parent is lead our children to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. After that I think we need to instill in them a love for family and a sense of loyalty to family. I also believe that it is important to teach our children to love, care about, and be compassionate to all human beings regardless of race, religion, and yes, even lifestyle.

If your children could describe you in three words, what would they be?

I decide to ask my children this question directly. My ten year old son said that I was old, kind of grouchy, and un-strict. My sixteen year old daughter said that I was patient, opinionated, and hilarious. My nineteen year old daughter agreed with her sister and added that I had nerves of steel! Well. I obviously can't get any younger, but I guess I need to work on being less grouchy!!