Parenting You

Parenting You

WHY didn’t anyone tell me how intense this thing is?  What in the world was I thinking? These kids are a whole mess of trouble.  From birth they are always needing things like food, clothes and beds!

I spend most of my days trying to stick to a routine that only exists in my head. Really. For the life of me I don’t remember when two days looked the same. Cooking, cleaning, teaching, correcting, holding, kissing, explaining, questioning, demanding, and disciplining. Then I go to bed feeling guilty because we were completely off routine, ate processed foods and didn’t have an hour devotional.

Maybe I’m the only parent that is experiencing the madness of having kids. I know your children are in total anticipation of your every word.  They long to be taught the lessons of life. They sit inquisitively while you explain to them the importance of homework, spell checking and not waiting to the last minute to complete a project. They listen because you are the one and only person from whom they want to glean.  They value the sacrifices you make for them. They are appreciative and want to give back in honor of your hard work.

Well…That ain’t my testimony! And I am guessing, I’m not the only one! 

We repeat ourselves. ALL DAY!

Wash your face.
Brush your teeth.
Make your bed.
Pick up your shoes.
Don’t hit your brother.
Say I’m sorry.
Inside voices.
Don’t whine.
Do your homework.
Wait till your father gets home.
Read.

I love you.

Read.
Eat your vegetables.
Don’t eat that.
What’s that smell?
Be nice.
Pick up your towels.
Who spilled this on my floor?
Is that how you like to be treated?
Good job!
Be friendly.
Bathe.

I love you.

Yes.
Clean your room.
No.
Wait.
Ask your father
Don’t waste your time.
Study
Read.
Ask questions.
Go to BED!

I love you.

They hear us! But they have their own minds and they know better.

They know our voice. We teach them lessons of life. Lessons that will protect them. Lessons that will prepare them. We pray for them. We try to give them the best of everything. We want to equip them to handle the world that’s waiting to destroy them. We want them to be successful. We want them to know what true love is. We give them Christ. We teach them to listen for His voice. We want them to know and embrace Him.

We want them to live beyond the limits of their human imaginations and the expectations that are given by limited people.

 

We tell them constantly that we love them because we do. We really do. Beyond what they can even imagine!

They hear us but…They know better!

They do things that make us ask “Are you new? Do you know me? When have you ever heard me say that was OK? You’re going to do it again until you do it right.”

On occasion they lose their minds! They don’t care how many times they hear the same thing. They do what they want. AND THEN look to us to fix their messes! 

Because they know everything! They’ve lived for a few years and they’ve mastered this thing called life. They don’t think they need us until they do!

And when they do, we’re there. We help them up and start repeating ourselves again because we never give up on them. We will do whatever it takes. We sacrifice for them. We love them. We want what’s best for them.

Recently I lamented about our parenting woes. I went to the throne for us! We need help!  The Lord lovingly said in a gentle voice, 

“I’m just showing you…YOU.

I repeat myself. Daily.

I give you love and direction.

I am the Creator of the universe.

I AM the way. I AM the truth. I AM the life.

I love you.

Don’t follow that voice.

Read your Bible.

Learn my ways.

Know my voice.

I love you.

I sacrificed for you.

I know the plans I have for you. They are good.

Read your Bible. Follow Me.

I love you.  

Love your enemy.

Love your neighbor.

Don’t waste time.

Yes I’m with you.

I love you.

No I will never leave you.

I gave my life for you.

I want you close.

I want you to prosper.

You are more than a conqueror.

You win.

I love you.

I’m for you. 

“But at times you think you know better.”

 

And I had no words. Just “thank you!”

 

I’m so thankful for his loving patience. Even in our parenting He gives us grace. Teaches us. Loves on us. Grows us. Walks with us. He has plans for us. He brings us closer to Him. He never gives up on us. I am madly in love with Him! 

 

Blessings!

 

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11

 

What do you hear the Lord saying daily?

In what areas do you feel you need to focus on hearing him more?

What is prayer about obedience?