“Let the little children…”

During those first years in Karachi, I struggled to find a place of morning quiet. With the Lord. 

We were navigating the muddle of culture shock and power breakdowns. Learning a language with completely new sounds and an unfamiliar alphabet. 

Trying to establish a rhythm for preparing clean water to drink. For getting food on the table. Daily.

And figuring out how to parent our children. I gave birth to our first child at the age of 33. And soon experienced what I now refer to as “mother shock.”  

Inadequacy  

Inadequacy seeped in. Did I have what it takes to parent well? To live in a new culture? To learn this language?

Spiritually, the wilderness was wearing. I craved time alone with the Lord. Felt thirsty for His Word. Knew I needed His Truth front and center day by day. 

But even in the daily attempts to read the Bible and pray, I heard silence. Or navigated frequent interruptions.

“Please, Lord…”

Earlier and earlier, my alarm clock rang. But two-year-old Becca kept rising when I did. 

 One morning, she came toddling up, saying “Momma…Momma…” Patting my leg. 

I groaned. “Oh Lord, I just want some time alone with You!! Please!!”

“Let the little children…”

At that very moment, clear as a bell, I heard, “Let the little children come to Me.” 

Tears came to my eyes.

I pulled Becca onto my lap. Held her close. And began to read aloud my passage for that day. She hummed and slapped the pages. Then slipped to the floor. And happily went on her way. Looking for toys. 

It didn’t always work out so easily. Somedays my times with Him were mere moments. On the run. But I never forgot His tender rebuke.

Haphazard ways

Recently I found this scribbled in a journal from 1994. We had two daughters under the age of 3. “Help me to live today, trusting that You are leading me. And through the haphazard ways I come to You—with two small children in my arms or at my knee—You are growing me in ways I cannot see.”

Haphazard. That’s what it felt like. 

But still drawing near. Hungering to hear. And know. Even in the silence, recognizing I need Him. 

He takes care of the growth.

Lessons learned

Now I enjoy a wealth of solitude. Opportunities to spend extended time in God’s Word and prayer. Remembering different parts of the journey.

I see a little more clearly. How His Word was precious and necessary. A non-negotiable in every part of parenting. Informing how we lived the cross-cultural life as a family. 

I thank Him for the variety of lessons learned in those early years of parenting. As young adults, our three children still teach me to draw near and listen and wait on Him. To discern how to pray for each one. And watch how He works in their lives.

Listen for His voice

In this “wide place” on the path right now, I pray for mothers of young ones and pre-teens. And teenagers. Moms who are learning to trust Him in each age and stage and season. Holding them close. And letting go.

As we seek His truth and listen for His voice. In the middle of the crowd. In the silence of the wilderness. May we hear and obey.

“Let the little children come to Me.”

What about you?

What has the Lord taught you about seeking Him in the midst of crossing cultures? Parenting children? In wilderness years? Perhaps yours are spiritual children–those you disciple and mentor and care for. How has the Lord guided you?

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Strong roots and movable tents – Habit – Be alert and pray – Equip in the spiritual battle – Parenting teens – Parenting in the spiritual battle – Prodigal, part 1 – Prodigal, part 2 – Prodigal redeemed – Keeping a sense of humor – Temporary nest – Be strong and courageous –