Growing in God, Growing in Love

A week ago, Mike and I went on our very first date night since Chasten was born. We had never been away from him and we both found ourselves saying "I hope the boy's doing okay" a few times. Our wonderful friend (and Chasten's god-mother) Maria demanded we leave him in her capable hands and have some "us" time, so we listened and went to catch a 4:30 movie at the theater. We decided to see Courageous, and it was amazing. It's a story written and directed by Christian men about becoming the parents that God designed for us to be. The movie has spoken to both Mike and myself and encouraged us to take steps to be in the roles that God expects from us as parents. Becoming a parent means being entrusted by God with this little life to mold and shape. We have to be the ones that teach our children not only how to behave in society, live responsibly and with honor, discern between right and wrong, but also how to be Christians. The Bible outlines the roles of parents in different books and the writers of the movies also released devotional books for both men and women to help us identify these biblical outlines more clearly. We haven't purchased the Women book yet, but Mike has been reading in his and I can already tell a difference in not only his role as Chasten's dad but also in the role he has as a husband and provider. 

The movie mainly outlines the role of a father and it's great importance in shaping children. The main character (who is played by one of the co-writer/producers) gives a speech in church toward the end of the movie encouraging men to be men of courage and take up the role God would have them in. He encourages them to step up and be accountable for their families not only financially but spiritually as well. I was so touched tonight because after we finished Chasten's night time routine (bath, teeth brushing, lotion, pjs), Mike sat down with us and read us a chapter from the Bible before we said our night time prayers. We've always tried to make a point of praying with Chasten before meals and before bed, but tonight was different. I could feel the difference in the role my husband has taken. He has stepped up to be the spiritual head of our household, not in an effort to make me less important but because that's what God designed for there to be. We are equal partners in our relationship and we both have active roles in our family, but it is designed for Mike to be our leader. Some people may read this and not understand why in the world would I be okay with this (because I have always been so independent and in charge)? God has been working in me in the last week as well...helping me to step out of the role of "controlling everything" and into the role of a Godly wife and mother. In the last week, as things are shifting and falling into God's design for us...I have felt us growing closer to one another. Our love has grown and there has been such a peace in our home. I'm less stressed and more willing to help (equally more than taking it over) than I have ever been. I'm so glad to know that as we grow in God, we're also growing in our love for one another. As we willingly seek to place ourselves in the roles God has for us, we begin to experience all of the things God designed for us to have. It's overwhelmingly wonderful.