What My Parents Need to Know

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13 NIV)

Hey guys. I'm Baby Huneycutt.

Mommy and Daddy are excited about finally meeting me in February, but I don't know what the big deal is. Haven't they seen a baby before? Don't we all look alike?

Besides, I see my daddy's face all the time, scrunched up and goofy-eyed when he leans down to whisper "I love you." He pats my head or sometimes tickles my feet. My mommy constantly rubs my body. I can't see her, but I know her. I'm part of her, for always.

Mommy's friend, Trish, asked friends to share their advice for my arrival. I figured who better to offer advice than me, the kid? Here goes...

To my Mommy and Daddy... 

Things are gonna get a bit noisy. I can't talk yet, at least, not in a way you understand. The only way to get your attention is to cry...for now. As I get older, I'll employ a multitude of weapons to accomplish that. Don't let the noise bother you. It will only last for a couple decades.

Things are gonna get messy. Don't buy many new or expensive clothes my first few years. Enough said about that.  

We'll all be learning parenthood together. Don't beat yourself up over your mistakes. I won't hold them against you. Stock up on a huge supply of grace, forgiveness, and hugs. I'll never outgrow them.

Stand united with each other. Otherwise, I'll play Mommy against Daddy, and that game really isn't what it's cracked up to be.
 

Until I can do things for myself, I'll need lots of your time. Delete the word "me" from your vocabulary. It's all about "us" now.

Speaking of us, I love feeling your arms slip around Mommy's waist, Daddy. You tickle Mommy's neck with your lips, and her whole body sighs in satisfaction. That helps me relax and feel secure in your love. I'll let you in on a little secret, Daddy. After a few sleepless nights and long days at the library, Mommy might need you to wrap her in your arms, whisper "I love you" in her ear, and ask what you can do to help her. That's a perfect way to keep your romance burning.

But most important, God created me in His image and entrusted me to you, my sweet parents. He designed parents to love Him above all, and then each other. Keep your eyes and heart focused on Him, and everything else will fall into place. 

I love you, Mommy and Daddy! It won't be long until February!

Has Baby Huneycutt covered everything? 

Any advice you'd like to add?

Grumbling or Grace?

Have you read the story of how God rescued the Israelites from their heavy yoke of slavery? How God called out to Moses from a burning bush, informing Moses that he would be the one to deliver the Israelites from Egypt? It was only after God sent plague after vicious plague, ending with the death of Pharaoh's first-born, that Pharaoh relinquished and released the Israelites.

God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, guiding them by cloud during the day and fire by night. Pharaoh changed his mind (actually, God changed it for him!) and pursued the Israelites, finding them camped out by the Red Sea.  


"It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert." (Ex 14:12 NIV).

Can you just picture them? The water from the sea licking their backs, the approaching Egyptians armed for battle? Scared for their lives, yet that's what spews from their lips? Complaints??
 
It's beyond me. 

Yet, God rescues them again. With a mighty wind, He pushed back the waters so that the Israelites crossed over on dry land, a wall of water on both sides. When the Egyptians followed them into the sea, the water fell back and crushed them.

The Israelites went on their merry way, praising and fearing God. 

For three days anyway.

When they didn't find water, they grumbled. God provided water. For lack of meat, they grumbled. God sent manna and quail.

What was wrong with these people? How could they complain? They witnessed God's miracles firsthand every day. Miracles like the parting of the Red Sea. Water from a rock. Just enough manna to provide for their daily needs. 

I'm quick to point my finger and say I would never do that.

Wrong!

I'm hanging my head right now because just like these Israelites, I witness God's miracles every day. Miracles in the form of a loving and supportive hubby, an income, a beautiful home, a family we cherish.

Yet what spews from my mouth? Complaints.


We arrived home from Denver late yesterday. Usually Hubby's pretty good about helping me unload the suitcases. Not last night. He toted them upstairs, left the packed bags in the bedroom, then planted his tush on the recliner in front of a blaring television.

I fumed. I huffed. Resentment broiled.

Then, God convicted my lousy little heart this morning with this story from Exodus.

How many blessings does my husband pour out for me everyday? He uses his vacation time to attend book signings with me. He brainstorms blog posts and story lines with me. He encourages me to adjust my schedule so he can help with chores like lawn care and groceries, so that I can devote more time to writing. And techie issues? He's my man! He's my biggest fan, my loudest encourager, my best friend. 

Yet I complain.

Forgive me, God, for complaining. Change my heart.

Help me reflect grace, not grumbling. 

Thank You for the wonderful man you planted beside me! Thank You that he never grumbles or complains.

What about you? What's in your heart today?

Grumbling or Grace?