Aliza Day and Ari Brave. Not just beautiful names, but beautiful children-I mean, just look at their mama! These babes belong to my sweet friend Tori. I first met Tori over five years ago when Chad and Grayson, Tori's husband, connected through music. In addition to her role in motherhood, Tori is the children's pastor at River Church Charlotte and regularly leads worship alongside her husband. If you've never heard her sing, or even if you have, check out her beautiful voice here.
There is a lot I love about this woman, but what I admire most is watching her show the Father's heart to children. On multiple occasions I've served alongside Tori in the 1st-5th grade class at River Church. It was here I watched Tori patiently and deliberately practice acts of love toward children (many times, sugared children) in a way that's hard to describe. This, my friends, is not an easy pursuit. Y'all, she's great at what she does! Today, A Mother's Heart series continues as Tori shares the importance of modeling the Father's heart at home, and I couldn't be more excited!
As I’m typing this, my two year old is using our couch cushions as a slide while my 12 week old has a full belly and has been successfully rocked to sleep. I think I’ve got a couple minutes to steal away. This is my beautiful life right now with two littles, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m a work-from-home momma, so everyday looks a little different depending on what is on my plate that week.
Beginning our life as a family of four was much smoother than I could have imagined. Aliza loved her “baby brudder” from the moment we walked in the door with him. She immediately began singing him a lovely rendition of “Jesus Loves Me”. Then it was time to decorate him with pink stickers. It was truly love at first sight! Since bringing little Ari Brave home 12 weeks ago, we have been walking out what life looks like with two. Some days it feels like he has been here forever! He fits so perfectly in our family.
As a new mother of two I am learning each day what it means to be intentional. As a mom that works from home, it is easy to feel like my attention is in two places at one time. I desire to take time daily to deliberately get down on Aliza’s level and do what makes her heart happy. Put away my phone, turn off the computer, pause my to-do list… those things can wait. It is time to just be mommy! Whether that looks like playing blocks, having a tea party, or playing in her Crabby Pool - these are all things that fill up her love tank. I want her to know that she is valued and worth my attention. Ari, on the other hand, is pretty easy going. Give him some cuddles and he’s your best buddy all day.
It’s a beautiful thing that when you pause to take time to pour into your children, you find that they are also pouring into you! There is nothing like seeing the joy on their face when they have your undivided attention.
I know that God is intentional with me, and I want to be a reflection of the Father to my children. Do I always get it right, and knock it out of the park? Nope! But there is grace. Thank you, God, for grace.
