Seeking Approval

As my bump gets bigger my flexibility continues to decrease which means I’ve had to spend more time observing Baylen when he’s playing instead of actually getting down on the floor and playing on his level. While I’m excited to deliver the girls, shed the extra weight, and be able to get in the action again, I’ve been doing my best to soak up the moments when I simply get to watch my sweet son. I love getting to be there when he learns a new skill or figures out how to put something together. I love watching him pause for a moment while he thinks of a way to climb up onto the couch or chair without my help. I love the proud smirk he gets on his face when he conquers something for the first time.

Perhaps what I’ve noticed the most lately is that every time he accomplishes something, whether it be putting legos together, making a basket in his basketball hoop, or correctly inserting a puzzle piece, he almost always looks over at me to make sure I noticed. He wants to know that I approve and likes it when I smile back and give him praise. Likewise, when he’s about to do something he maybe shouldn’t, he looks to see what I’ll think of it, as if he’s testing the waters to see if it’s okay. He’s at such a tender stage right now of learning right from wrong, but hasn’t made the jump to being okay with disappointing me yet. He loves to be praised, and hates to be scolded. His heart is tender, and He’s constantly seeking my approval.

As I’ve reflected upon this, I keep thinking about my own life, now that I’m 27 years in. Who do I seek my approval from? As I go about my days, who am I trying to impress? Who do I want to notice me? Sadly, sometimes the answers to those questions are people, instead of my Heavenly Father. It’s so easy to get distracted by what society says should be the standard for success and chasing after that instead of seeking the Lord’s approval in all things. My heart can be so calloused instead of tender, and there are times when I simply don’t feel convicted like I should.

When I think about God glancing down from Heaven watching me, I wonder what percentage of the time he looks back and smiles, versus the amount of time he looks upon my actions with sadness and wants me to remember how much more joy I could have if I just obeyed Him and sought His approval. JOY is so much more abundant when we seek approval from Him instead of others, because that’s what we were created to do! People will always let us down at some point, but God’s love is constant. He knows how to love us in every circumstance.

As Baylen grows up, my prayer is that He’ll learn at a young age that this life is about pleasing the Lord. Yes, we’ll certainly teach him the importance of obeying his parents, but ultimately I think it would be incredible if he learned quickly that his confidence needs to come from the Lord, and not us or anyone else. The earlier we can teach that to him, the greater his opportunities will be to live a life full of enjoying God’s best for him.

This week, let’s challenge ourselves to yearn for God’s approval instead of man’s. May we fill ourselves with God’s truth and glorify Him even in the small things. He wants us to look to Him to make sure we’re on the right path. May our hearts be tender to the things He wants us to notice, and may we serve Him in ways that will leave Him smiling as he watches over us.

“But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:17

Praise the Lord for the ways he teaches us so much through the eyes of a child!

Lots of Love,

Amber

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!