My Greatest Teacher
Today (March 11th) my greatest teacher turns 12 years old!
My first born son, Alexander, has taught me more than anyone else about sacrifice, enduring love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, patience, joy, self-control, anger, endurance, obedience to God, and humility. In just twelve short years, this little guy has taught me lessons I have needed to learn to mature in my walk with God.
Psalm 127:3 says “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.”
This boy – this little boy that God has given to me for a short time – is my reward. Some days are so rewarding.
And then…
there are days when the sacrifice and patience that it takes to train him does not feel like much of a reward and I am reminded – God is not just doing a work in this little boys life – but he is using this little boy to do a work in my life.
Through my parenting challenges and hurdles God has drawn me closer to Him as I have sought Him in prayer and in His word. God has used this boy to teach me.
As I look at Alexander, I see a mirror – so many of his flaws are partly my own flaws. I tell him to be patient with his sister – while I am impatient with him. I tell him to use self-control while steam is pouring out my own ears. But each year as he grows one year older – I notice that I also have grown one year older.
As he matures, I mature. Together we are growing in our walk with the Lord and becoming more like Christ as God reveals our flaws through the flow of family life.
Alexander is the perfect child for me. God created him in my womb and placed him into our family because God knew that this is the child that we needed for his glory. And we are so thankful for him.
This past Sunday we celebrated his birthday with the family
at a restaurant where they cook at the table.
Here’s some pictures from our party including my
parents, sisters, cousins, brother-in-laws and uncle:
Happy 12th Birthday Alexander –
You are my favorite little boy in the whole world!
Beautiful reflection! A great reminder too that each person’s child is a perfect fit for each individual parent. Love this.
Cooking Up Faith
http://www.cookingupfaith.org
Gosh, they are growing up so fast! I have been reading your blog for a number of years and I can’t believe they’re almost teens! I love seeing the pictures of them maturing, and I love how I can see both you and your husband in them. They are stunning kids! All glory to God for His kindness in giving them to you and I am so thankful for the work that He does in you, because we benefit too!
Bless you, sister x
How close are their birthdays? You celebrate with one family party? My girls birthdays are May 2 and May 12 and birthdays are getting hard! Hard for family to meet two different times, too. I’d love to know how y’all handle it. 🙂
His
Shari
Hi Shari – yes we celebrate their birthdays together every year but Lexi’s birthday is not for another 19 days. We celebrated really early this year because I am traveling to speak tomorrow and next week my son has foot surgery. Normally we celebrate between their birthdays. 😉 It works out nicely.
I always shared a birthday party with my oldest sister and liked that, so I figured I’d repeat that with my own children. 😉
Lots of Love,
Courtney
Happy birthday Alexander and Alexis!! I wish you all a beautiful day!
Hugs, Yvonne
What a beautiful reflection on motherhood and the blessing of children. My oldest son turns 16 today! March 11th is a day that changed me forever! Once you hold your baby for the first time you are never the same! Each child is their own special gift from God. Thank you for sharing.
What a wonderful tribute to a handsome young man. You are a wonderful mother and a role model for not only your children but for each woman that you touch through your blog posts.
I have been studying with you for quite sometime now and have grow more over the years that I have participated in your studies than ever before. God has blessed you with a wonderful insight into his word. Happy Birthday Alexander!! You are one special young man, may the Lord bless you and keep you in all you do.
I am so sorry I looked through the pictures closer and saw that you celebrated Alexis birthday also, Happy birthday Alexis, you are a beautiful young girl, and I want to say may the Lord bless you and keep you in all you do also.
Courtney, it has been fun to watch your children grow. Thank you for sharing life with us and encouraging us on our journey with the King!
I love how you and your family celebrate life. You even have extended family included. That is how it is suppose to be. I enjoy getting to see it through your pictures. It isn’t that way for us but I hope it will be with our sons as they start families someday. Keep sharing and I pray your speaking engagement goes well.
What a beautiful family you have, Courtney. Thank you for this post. I needed it today. 🙂
I love Lexi’s Blue outfit at the end (the one that says “Shine like the Stars”
Do you mind if I ask where you bought it? I have two girls and am always looking
for feminine, Christian clothing that they would love to wear! They both saw the blog over my shoulder and commented on her outfit!
I know you used to shop at gymboree? But my girls are 8 and 11 now! :d The 11 year old doesn’t fit in gymboree!
This was a great post and a great reminder. Our children do teach us so much and they are a precious gift from the Lord.
Happy Happy Birthday to Alexander!! Wow! 12 years old already! Time sure does fly!! Hope & pray that his upcoming surgery goes well! I know you’re nervous and rightfully so.
Happy early birthday to Lexi as well! She’s getting so grown up too! She turns 10, right?
Happy, Happy Birthday to your sweet boy. What a great Blessing he is!
Your family is so beautiful.
Thank you so much for your uncompromising walk with the King. We are so blessed!
awe its nice to see the photos of them younger. Happy Belated Birthday to your son, and happy early Birthday to your daughter.
I need God’s grace more as a parent than I ever have in any other profession or project I have ever done. I am truly desperate for Him every day! Your family is so beautiful, Courtney!