“Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without the knowledge and consent of your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31 EHV).
Parenting is a joy and a privilege, but it is also a responsibility and, at times, a heavy load to shoulder. There are delightful moments when our child’s happiness, playfulness, or sweetness brings a smile to our face and enjoyment to our heart. There are also difficult moments when our child’s behaviors, attitudes, or struggles bring a furrowed brow to our face and concern to our heart. It is in both the delightful moments and the difficult moments that we need to remember God’s loving care for us. If even a sparrow doesn’t fall to the ground without God’s notice, we can be assured that every moment of our lives is under his notice and care, too. I was recently reminded of this by encounters with two butterflies.
Outside on a beautiful summer day, our young Bernedoodle became enraptured by a Western Tailed Blue butterfly. This tiny, delicate pollinator delightfully danced between blades of grass and wildflowers that grew along the edge of our property. My dog’s curiosity drew my attention to the butterfly; the butterfly drew my attention to the vegetation, and it all caused me to stop and take in the moment.
This was God’s handiwork. It brought forth a quiet prayer of thanks from my heart for God’s great gifts of sun, warmth, animals, and scenic surroundings, which all remind us of who he is! “... his invisible characteristics—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, because they are understood from the things he made” (Romans 1:20 EHV).
The moment reminded me of how he provides continual care for his creation, and none of it escapes his attention. What care he demonstrates to sustain the world! “How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. All of them wait hopefully for you to give them their food in its time … You open your hand. They are satisfied with good things” (Psalm 104:24, 27, 28).
Even the fragile wildflowers, which would soon fade with the change of seasons, were within God’s watchful and wise care. “Consider how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin, but I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these” (Matthew 6:28b-29).
A little further away, I saw a large Tiger Swallowtail butterfly lying on the road. This magnificent, silent work of art shouts of God’s creativity and brilliance. Its impressive size and bright yellow wings with bold, contrasting black stripes caught my attention. I approached it, expecting it to fly away. Instead, it lay motionless. As I got closer, I saw that one of its wings had been nearly sheared in two. This was its final resting place. It, too, gave me pause, as I reflected on how this didn’t escape God’s notice either.
In the difficult moments of the parenting journey, we need to pause and remember that nothing escapes God’s notice. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13a NIV).
When feeling overwhelmed by needs that sometimes demand more of us than our internal resources can meet, we need to pause and remember that God is our source of strength, and in our weakness, his power in us is revealed. God said, “ ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, 10b ESV).
When feeling misunderstood or a lack of compassion from others who don’t understand the behavioral challenges or intensity of care required in our parenting journey, we need to pause and remember that Jesus understands our situation because he lived in this broken world for 33 years. Speaking of Jesus, the author of Hebrews wrote, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses …” (4:15a EHV).
In the isolation that can sometimes occur with parenting children with extraordinary needs, we need to pause and remember that God is always with us. Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always …” (Matthew 28:20 EHV).
When the days are especially intense, a sense of dread for the hours ahead may creep into one’s heart; we need to pause and remember this encouragement: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV).
Heavenly Father, thank you for putting such value on us and relationship with us that you sent Jesus to live, die, and rise as our substitute. If you went to that extreme measure to ensure our future, we can trust that you will sustain us in our present moments. We cast our hard moments, our worries, and our anxiety on you because you care for us (1 Peter 5:7 EHV). Amen.
By Rebeckah Ellinghuysen, MA