Parental Pride by Katie Visaggio

When I was a teacher I used to comment all the time about how every parent thinks his or her child was the absolute most brilliant little one to grace planet earth. Fast forward a few years and I can completely see why parents take that stance.

Laura is 19 months old and throughout her short life I have become elated many, many times as I have watched her figure out the world around her. I’m giddy when she learns and uses new words. I literally clap for her at least once a day. Sometimes I feel as though I can’t help but burst out and tell whoever will listen what my smart little girl can do.

But often I find myself wondering where the line between innocent joy and sinful boasting is?

When searching through scripture to help answer my question, I came upon the story of Hannah. She was a godly woman who prayed to the Lord for a child for many years. She promised to dedicate the blessing of a child to God’s work. The Lord remembered Hannah’s plea and blessed her and her husband with a son, Samuel. When Samuel was weaned she took him to the temple and gave him over to the Lord’s work. She would visit but he was raised and lived in the house of God (1 Samuel 1).

If ever there was a woman who could be tempted to boast about her child, it would be Hannah. But in 1 Samuel 2:1-3, Hannah’s prayer points to someone else:

‘My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.

‘There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.

 ‘Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.”

Not only did Hannah hand over her very young son, she rejoiced and boasted in God. What an amazing example. I’m sure Hannah was filled with joy as she watched Samuel grow and learn. I’m sure she wanted to share with whoever would listen about all the things Samuel did with his life and the gifts God gave him. But instead Hannah focused on the one who blessed her with motherhood and gave Samuel his gifts.

Just like with Samuel, my gracious God is the one who blessed Laura with the gifts she has. Her growth and learning is a result of his goodness.

So what is a better course of action for this happy Momma? I’ve come up with a little list for myself to keep me focused and using Hannah’s example:

• Point to my Father in heaven when I rejoice over his wonderful gifts he’s given to Laura.
• Teach Laura to acknowledge that he is the source of all good things.
• Pray to my Father that he continues to bless Laura in a way that pleases him.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit guides Laura to use her gifts to the glory of God.
• Acknowledge in all I do well as a mother that God is ultimately to be praised.
• Thank God that Jesus’ death and resurrection has redeemed from my sins of pride.
• Rejoice daily that Jesus loves Laura and forgives her sins, too!

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Dear Father,

Thank you for all the blessings and gifts you have given to my family. You have blessed us beyond measure every single day. Please forgive me for the times when I have pointed to Laura instead of you. Forgive me for failing to acknowledge your goodness and providence. Help me to be more like Hannah as a mother. Help me focus my heart and joy on you, the source all of good things.

Through your Son, I pray. Amen.

Photo HT: CreationSwap