21 | Trusting God's Plan for My Kids

The UnPerfect Podcast for Christian Women

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Welcome to episode #21 of the UN-Perfect Podcast! In today's episode, we explore the topic of trees, delving into a personal story of two trees and the lessons they taught me about my daughter and God's work in our lives.

• Discussion:
  • Setting the scene: It's December, but this isn't a Christmas episode.
  • Christmas tree traditions: Some families have charming traditions of cutting down a live tree, while we've stuck to using a fake tree.
  • Our experience with fake trees: From inherited Charlie Brownish trees to the excitement of a prelit tree and a Star Wars ornament mishap.
  • The saga of the lights shorting out and the leaning tree of Pisa.
  • Finally deciding to purchase a new tree and the joy of decorating it with lights.
• The Tale of Two Trees:
  • A reflection on raising my strong daughter.
  • Expectations vs. reality in parenting.
  • The metaphor of Bradford Pear trees vs. oak trees.
  • Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Lord has anointed me …to grant to those who mourn in Zion – to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (ESV)
  • The vulnerabilities of Bradford Pear trees and their inability to weather storms.
  • The strength and longevity of oak trees, capable of producing new growth even after being knocked down.
  • Seeing my daughter's characteristics as oak tree qualities.
  • Embracing the work in progress
  • "The process of blooming is just as valuable as the flower it produces ." - Aundi Kobler, Try Softer.
  • Letting go of control and allowing God to water and guide our children's growth.
  • Desiring lasting beauty and strength that glorifies the Lord.

Today I’m reminding myself and you that the Light of the World is in the business of tearing down the old and planting the new. Trees, children, hearts, dreams, marriages, disappointments, regrets - let’s claim Isaiah 61 and plant ourselves by the streams of the water of his word (Psalm 1). He’s good on His promise. He’s good, period.
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