The Macs » Blog

it was finally his idea

My sweet little boys are like night and day. One was a super easy baby. One was a difficult, hard-to-figure out baby. One slept through the night at three months. One decided he would wait until he was over a year old to accomplish a full night of rest. One was crazy verbal. One prefers to scream and grunt instead of use words. One is pretty laid back and compliant. One is pretty strong-willed and wants to do things his way. One walked right after his first birthday. One is just deciding that he might try out this walking thing. I’ll let you guess who is who. 😉

Griffin took his first steps on Christmas Eve. I was sure he would finally be walking all over the place a few weeks after that. But I was wrong. I shouldn’t try to predict anything with this little guy because he tends to be a little on the unpredictable side. 🙂

He started taking a few steps here and there but whenever we would hold out our hands and tell him to walk to us, he would shake his head, plop down, and crawl away in the other direction.

We soon figured out that this walking thing was going to have to be his own idea.

He started taking more steps at a time and walking between furniture but it was always when he didn’t think we were paying attention. He still wouldn’t walk when we held out our hands.

Lately his new thing has been that he wants to walk but only if he is holding onto your finger. He wants to walk all around the house. Around and around and around. And when you get tired and let go he lets you know that he is not happy about it!

But this day he was ready to perform. He walked to me from the table and then back again. I grabbed my camera and caught him walking back to me again. And I think he was even quite pleased with himself. Silly, stubborn boy. It was finally his idea.

Go, Griffin, go!!

At BSF today we were studying Isaac’s family (Genesis 25-26). My leader was talking about the favoritism that Isaac showed Esau and Rebekah showed Jacob. She challenged us to ask God to allow us to be open to our children’s strengths and weaknesses and to not favor one over the other. I don’t feel like I struggle with favoritism at this point, but I couldn’t help but think of my sweet Griffin as she gave this challenge. I so desire to know what makes this little guy tick but I know that God is the only one who knows him inside and out. So I am daily having to ask God for wisdom in how to train him in a way that his “weaknesses” would be used for God’s glory. I know that God can use this strong-willed, determined little boy to do great things for His Kingdom…and I want to be his biggest cheerleader! May I be a mom who is intentional in understanding what those strengths and weaknesses are and who encourages him. I am so thankful for how God created these little boys of mine so uniquely and purposefully. And as I think about the weaknesses that are starting to come out in their lives as they grow, I can’t help but think of my own many weaknesses. I am so thankful that our God uses ordinary people…weaknesses and all…to do extraordinary things. We are so undeserving but He still allows us to be part of His purposes. Praise God for that!

sharepinTweet
  • Katie - Go Griffin!!! 🙂 Love the pictures!ReplyCancel

  • Melissa - This is my boys to a T!! I’ve definitely spent a lot of time in prayer on how to understand our second boy. I love the comparison to Isaac’s family, I need to remember that!ReplyCancel

  • tara - yay griffin … he is such a little cutie!

    and i LOVED this post so much! i am desperately praying that God will use the qualities of my children that drive me crazy sometimes … the stubbornness and the hardheadedness … for His kingdom and for His glory! and what a reminder that He can and will use our weaknesses as well. thanks for the encouraging post!ReplyCancel

  • Eryn - I think he’s a pretty SMART lil guy! He just wanted to wait til he could perfect walking secretly and show off for his mama! 😉 Such cute pictures. He’s a sweet little guy!ReplyCancel

  • Melanie - Soooo cute!!!! This post was perfect. My two and half year old boy is very strong willed and determined. Ever since he was born! Thank you for this reminder and encouragement. I have spent so much time in prayer over him…and will continue to. Thank you!!ReplyCancel

  • Mary - Great post! I’m going through BSF as well. I was really pulled by the part of the servant who prayed to find the right woman for Isaac. What a strong believer. We always think of Abraham or Isaac, but can’t forget that prayer warrior Servant! I also thought about favorites with kids. I only have one, so right now that isn’t in effect for me. However I know how it feels. I’m #4 of 4 kids. I know I was forgotten. It’s a fact, and I know the heavy weight that has put on everything in life. Thanks for the reminder! Lost your house too!ReplyCancel

  • Jamie - Love your blog. My 2 boys are just 2 years apart and as different as night and day as well. It is funny how different they are…. but they are still best buds! It is great to have little boys so close together!ReplyCancel

  • Mary - *love your house! oops! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Sandy - My first born is a boy followed by 2 girls. They are all so very different. I struggle with my strong willed little girls when thier big brother is so compliant. This parenting thing is really hard work!ReplyCancel

  • Melinda - Way to go Griffin! I can definitely relate. My two boys have been complete opposites in many ways. My oldest walked before 10 months, and I’m pretty sure he was born talking. My youngest walked at 18 months, and has a neurological speech disorder (Apraxia) that we’re still working on. He has also had various other issues through his life. One of my biggest struggles is to not devote so much attention to him and his needs that his older brother feels left out.ReplyCancel

  • Amy - I loved this post so much! It is so similar to what I know of my two little ones so far. One very laid back-the other very hard to please and figure out. What a great comparison to the story of Isaac’s family. May we love each the same, and strive to discover how they may use their unique personalities to further the Kingdom!ReplyCancel

  • Kim - Love Love Love this..your sweet family…sharing your pictures andyour woods of wisdom..Thanks for making me smile today..and think ;0)ReplyCancel

  • Laura - Yay Griffin! Oh my goodness Jess, your boys sounds ALOT like mine! (except my “strong-willed” one was walking at 9 months AND at almost 2 is STILL not sleeping through the night, waaahh! ;)) love, love, love your blog and your heart. Actually the other night Asher (my youngest) was sleeping in bed with us and I was just looking at him and praying over him, because some days I’m just at a loss as to trying to figure him out! Anyways your post made me smile because I can SOOOO relate!ReplyCancel

  • Ruth - What cute pictures of that little guy taking off!I have followed your blog faithfully since Cora was first ill and still pray for you and your family. God has given you such godly insights as a young mom and your life honors him. I have one thing I have been praying about mentioning and I do no want it to cause you any hurt, just food for thought. Comparisons, while true, can be a trap. I know you would never want Griffin to read any of your posts someday and say “Yeah, Levi has always been the good kid; I’ve always been the problem child.” My heart breaks remembering one of my children saying something similar when we never meant to leave that impression. Your comments always include your love for that dear little boy so I hope that never happens.ReplyCancel

  • Mary Ann - And what a good idea Griffin had!! He surely is a sweet boy with a mind of his own. I think he will do great things in his life as will Levi. You have a wonderful family. I think back on my life as a young mother, wondering what to do with my stubborn, headstrong, smart, handsome little son. Now he is all grown up with a son of his own. I see the love he has for his wife and son and how much he cares for them….I can also see I didn’t too badly at being his mother. You’ll probably see the same thing years from now.ReplyCancel

  • Dayle - Oh, goodness … he’s such a cutie.ReplyCancel