“Mom, I am the man. And I want to push the shopping cart.”
These were the two sentences my 11-year-old son delivered to me at the grocery store. And as I was about to pull rank, the Holy Spirit urged me to honor him.
There was something deeper happening in that moment.
“Okay, Sam. Here you go.”
That was a big move for me. I always push the cart. It’s like insulation between me and other people.
… Anyone else tracking with me?
So I never give up that coveted layer of protection.
Like never.
But I knew – without a doubt – that God was shifting something in my boy.
On that Saturday. In that moment. In that grocery story. The change was that clear to me.
And so as we walked up and down the aisles, I fought back tears.
– I was silently thanking God for healing Sam from the spirit-breaking bullying a few years back.
– I was remembering all the times I felt overwhelmed as his mom because he was such an angry little guy.
– I thought back to my hovering tendencies with the goal of protecting him, his friendships, and his reputation.
– I was recalling all those tearful prayers where I begged God to help my son. To help me mother him better.
As I was scratching store items off my list, my mind was flooded with the past 11 years as a mom.
Some good.
Some not so good.
But that day… I saw Sam differently.
He had new-found courage and a bold confidence. And maybe for the first time, my son really believed he held great value in the world.
I watched my big, strong 5th grader navigate the crowded aisles of the grocery store, and I was joyful. Grateful. Humbled.
All my effort, all my prayers, all the books I read, all the conversations I had with others moms, all the techniques I tried… mattered.
What I did as his mom… mattered.
God saw me. Heard me. Answered me.
And in that moment, I realized how very proud I was to be his momma.
– So for the mom who has been praying for that kind of moment… hold on.
– For the mom so desperate to see her child succeed… be patient.
– For the mom tirelessly helping her child work through an issue… don’t stop.
– For the mom praying for her child to be restored… keep praying.
– And for the mom begging God for her child’s healing… never give up.
Because in the flash of a moment… on an ordinary day… when you’re doing ordinary things… something extraordinary will happen.
And you will witness a miracle.
©2013 Carey Scott
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Love!!! God is faithful! Love to see the fruit of all those heartfelt prayers! Powerful testimony! Never quit! Never lose hope! Pray on! Go God!
What a beautiful testimony! From a completely different perspective, the Lord is speaking to me through your story about letting another push my cart. I really have had a few moments lately where I’ve been frustrated that I cannot shop with freedom (timing and someone watching my every move) – it’s my my perspective only that I’m not free – as I cannot push or drive a cart without serious pain (or carry the basket). So I’m thankful for this topic He inspired you to write about and share today. I need to focus on my “cart drivers” and not on my lack of freedom.
Sarah… cannot wait to unpack this with you!
This is beautiful. I frequently pray over my 3rd grader for a whole host of challenges, and I understand. Sometimes… it just changes. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit is at work and I just have to hold my breath and let go.
Thanks for Sharing.
Susan… “hold my breath and let go” … totally get this. Love it. Thanks for stopping by!
As a mom of three boys (10, 9 & 7), I often find myself overwhelmed, but God hears me, and He is opening my eyes always and showing me how unique and special they each are. Such a sweet, sweet post…. Thank you for sharing!
Melanie, thanks for your encouragement. Sounds like you have a house full, girl! Love that He shows you the uniqueness of your children. What an amazing an loving Father!