“’In pain you will bring forth children.’ Genesis 3:16 NASB” (Erickson, 29).
Erickson’s image today shows a pensive Eve reaching out to a happily pregnant Mary, putting her hand on Mary’s stomach. He writes, “Eve is experiencing hope and grace from a brokenness she never thought she’d see an end to. Yet her face could also be that of a knowing mom bestowing wisdom and compassion on a new mom, as if to say, ‘Parenting is one of the greatest and hardest adventures of a lifetime’” (Erickson, 30).
What I find the most difficult about being a mom is seeing my children feeling like they’ve failed. My oldest, Aiden, especially takes things to heart. He competes in equestrian show jumping with his baby horse.
My son, Aiden, and his small pony, Minnie, were selected to represent the Inland Empire Hunter Jumper Association at the Las Vegas National Horse Show. This show is where the best of the best of the best riders come to compete. For them to be selected was amazing! It was the biggest opportunity of their young careers.
When we went to the show it was very intimidating. The atmosphere was huge, as were the other horses. The first day, Aiden took Minnie to the mounting block where he would get on her back. Right before he got on, he started praying. That was a proud mommy moment for me, knowing that he was trusting God and asking for God’s help. He and his pony took seventh out of 22 riders!
The next day was not a great one for Aiden. Again, he prayed before he got on, but this time Minnie refused the jump twice and they were disqualified. My husband and I were still super proud of Aiden and Minnie, but to Aiden it felt like a huge failure. He felt as though he had let everyone down.
As a mom, it hurt me so much. All I wanted was to be able to take his pain away and transfer it to myself. No matter what I said, it didn’t seem to resonate with him. Aiden felt like the world was crumbling down.
That night I prayed my heart out. I even sent messages to the women in my bible study group and to my aunts, asking them to pray for Aiden, because he felt like he was drowning and because he couldn’t see that it was a positive thing just to make it to the show in the first place.
The next day I texted everyone again as we walked to the warm-up arena. Aiden prayed again, as did my husband and I, plus our younger son. We started asking God to send angels to help Aiden and Minnie fly around the jumps. Aiden and Minnie walked into the main arena where the course was at. My family and I were still pleading for God to hear us.
The bell rang and Aiden sent Minnie to the first jump. They cleared and then headed to the second, where Minnie refused. Aiden sent her around again and headed to it. By this time the whole stadium was cheering so loud it was like we were at a football game! Minnie jumped and then Aiden sent her to the next jump and the next. They were flying around! The whole stadium was standing and cheering. My family and I started crying. They had done it and placed sixth at the end of their ride.
As parents, we go through trials with our children. We see their disappointment in themselves and it’s a horrible feeling. I want my boys to understand that no matter what, I am proud of them and I will love them even if things don’t go the way they expect. What will make me so proud is their faith in God and continuing to trust God in everything.
Ashley Beaubien is married to Brian and is mother to two amazing little boys.