In my limited experience as a parent, the infant and toddler phase was no doubt a grind. Talk about some dark months. I would not recommend living out those first few years in your own patience and strength because it is a guaranteed fail every time.
BUT!
My failures showed me my inadequacies and just how much I needed my Father. He was gracious enough to show me his past, future, as well as present grace. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
My inability showed that God call me to a task and that His present grace was with me every step of the way. It is vital to recognize my own limitations as well as my children’s limitations. Not only will you grow and change, but your kids will grow and change; therefore, always be learning about yourself and your kids.
The sooner the better we realize that parenting is a long term, constantly changing process and not an event. (I Timothy 1:16) Jesus was long-suffering and patient SO THAT others may be drawn and believe on Him. Am I mad at my children for needing me again or am I happy for another opportunity to continue the long term process: the mini moments of change.
I am a parent of a worshipper. What rules my child’s heart controls his behavior. It’s not so much as keeping kids under control as it is redirecting their worship to God. If there is no God… where will they find satisfaction, meaning, purpose, identity, or contentment? Bottom line is that all children are lost and selfish. They desperately need someone to give them insight, show compassion, teach them there is hope, and rescue from a self-led life. If I am blinded by my own selfishness, who will show them there is a God who forgives, who rescues, who transforms, and gives grace?
God needed to live, die, and rise again so He could save us from ourselves. There are many moments I ask myself why do they do the things they do: not get along, resist instruction, self absorbed…it’s because they serve themselves and are in need of mercy and rescue.
“No parent gives better mercy than one who is convinced that he desperately needs it himself.” -Paul David Tripp
In the role God has given me I can rest in His grace, His presence, and His mercy. I can have true peace and joy knowing that He goes with me and that He guides me. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Written by Charity Skelly
HannahIvelisse 