Words of Wisdom

So one of the books I am currently reading is I Grew Up Little by Patsy Clairmont. She is amazing. She is a former agoraphobic who is now a key speaker for Women of Faith. Anyhow, in one of the chapters of this book she is talking about her first born child and realizing how painful her battle with agoraphobia must have been on his heart. This is what she has to say:
All I ever wanted to give my son was the best, but all I could give him was who I was at that time. I'm so grateful that Jesus is a Redeemer. And that he is able to do what we can't for our children, regardless of their age. Hope is a blessed relief for a mother's broken heart and a child's future welfare.
Oh what a strong, true statement that is! When I first read this statement I had two thoughts. The first was: "That's me!", the second was: "That's my parents!". It is me because I DO want the best for my sons and I can only give them who I am at the time. I'm a different mom for Kindergarten Michael then I was for Baby Michael. I've grown. Some days it seems like a lot, others a little.
And I see that about my parents. I know my parents only want the best for me and my sisters. But growing up, they could only give us they were at the time. For me, they were 16 and 19 years old. Welfare and food stamps while dad went to welding school. I remember times in Bakersfield that we didn't own a car. Dad rode his bike to work and we either walked or rode the bus around town. There was also anger and frustration. There were mistakes made and scars to be had.
But Jesus is our Redeemer. My dad and I have not always had the greatest relationship, but we are closer now then we have ever been in my 26 years of existence. My mom is more approachable then she was just 10 years ago. I can guarantee that Jeff and I are not perfect parents (hope I didn't shock you). Most likely, there will be things Jeff and I do that at least one of our boys will vow not to. But we all have the Redeemer and I have hope...
"As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives..."
Psalm 19:25