In Holy Hands by Maria Hartman

It was almost 2 years ago now. My mom and dad were visiting from NY, and something took place that was not noteworthy at all. At the time that is. I was listening to a Kathy Troccoli CD, and one of my favorite songs began to play: 'My life is in Your hands'. I went to the radio and cranked it up. Grace came running into my arms, and we did what we often do. I held her close and we 'danced'. As we spun and swayed, I sang the words to her. My dad was in the kitchen, and after the song was over he looked at me and said, "Her life is really in your hands". I remember my response was one of gentle disagreement, that no, her life was in God's hands.

God brought this moment to my mind recently, and I've come to understand something a bit more clearly. I was not wrong in my belief that Grace's life is in the hands of Almighty God. Of that I am 100% certain. But in retrospect I realize that my dad's statement was not wrong either. To the degree that Kurt and I have been entrusted with our children, their lives are in our hands. We are accountable and responsible for all aspects of their upbringing, and although we're not sovereign over what will occur in their lives, our commitment to the Lord and to obeying what He has called us to do, will shape their lives.

Graces' life is in my hands today as I teach and instruct her of the things of God. Her life is in my hands as I make decisions which will affect where she goes, what she can look at, and what is acceptable or unacceptable for her. What kind of friend, neighbor, wife and mother she may be one day does depend on what my life is all about. She is young and impressionable; often I can forget that. She is watching closely and will model what she sees in me.

Being a stay at home mom is fantastic and I love it, but sometimes it is really hard. And sometimes I forget that I am actually in a position of great influence. I am a channel of who God is to this little girl; all day long, I am influencing a 'sponge' of sorts, either helping shepherd her to God or allowing the world to draw her away.

What is it that I want her to soak up more than anything?

I want her to know who God is and be drawn to Him because her mom, who she loves, loves Him so very much. I want her to see mercy and forgiveness and patience in a variety of situations in our family's life. I want her to see what Christ looks like in action, and not just be able to recall facts about Him based on what she has been taught at church. I want God to be honored in my life so that one day He may be honored in hers.

I have been given this incredible opportunity, therefore each day I must purpose in my heart that it will count for Him. I must be diligent to teach her what matters most. I am the teacher she will look to; He is the Teacher I will look to.

For today: Without a doubt, my daughter's life is ultimately in the hands of the One who created her and loves her with an everlasting love. But God placed her in our home and in our hands specifically for a reason. He wants her life to be impacted by my life; how careful I must be as I live before my little ones.

May we as mothers never underestimate the very high calling we have been given.

Today, and everyday, as we desire to impact this world for Jesus Christ, let us impact our children for Him most of all.

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me; thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.