What I am learning..

So it has been four days with Rebekah and it has been a challenge and a blessing all at the same time. I have had a great time with her and have learned so much. I see so much of myself in Rebekah that its overwhelming at times. And funny that I can sometimes see 11-year-old Krista right in front of my eyes!
I am also overwhelmed by the great responsibility of taking care of a child. I have a deeper respect for my parents. How in the world did they raise me? How did they put up to my rebellious attitude, my annoying outbursts, and my constant chatter. Well with the Lord’s help of course. Patience is a real virtue; also constant prayer and reliance on God’s strength to get through each day, especially during the hard years. I am also reminded that parenthood is a partnership and that relieves me so much! Dad had a HUGE role in raising my sister and I. I won’t have to do it alone.... He loves us unconditionally even when we messed up many times. He disciplined us but always told us we were loved. He supported mom and took care of her. He tried to conduct his family under the fear and admonition of the Lord.
I have also had an even deeper desire to become a mother. I have always had a desire to “be married and have a family” but over this summer and this week so far with Bekah, I have understood what it is really about. It’s a sacrificial love, unending patience, and giving your time, every moment of the day. I have watched the mothers here in Sweden and have seen gentle and quiet spirits and a deep love for their children. I am reminded of my mother. She is patient and her love for her family is so pure and beautiful, touching the deepest parts of our hearts. I am so thankful for a mother who is a beautiful example to me.

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies…She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue…Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is worthy to be praised.” ~ Proverbs 31: 10, 25-26, 28-30