Parenting

Oh, the lessons we learn through life's challenges! It's like a divine lesson plan, isn't it? But what about our little ones? My two-year-old is quite the character, throwing tantrums, ignoring instructions, and even hitting others. I'm sure I'm missing a few of her favorite pastimes! Seriously though, she's two, and like most toddlers, she's testing boundaries to see what she can get away with. This adventurous spirit isn't limited to toddlers; teenagers are famous for pushing limits too! Kids, in general, love to explore their boundaries. So here we are, with my daughter in time-out for the 20th time today, this time for hitting. I've read enough parenting books to know I should stay calm, but let's be real—sometimes we just want to... well, you know. As I watch her cry, knowing she's in trouble, I can't help but wonder, is this how God sees us?

When we sin and repeatedly make the same mistakes, God will let challenging situations arise to capture our attention. We may lose our job due to our attachment to money. We might lose a friend because we rely on them more than on God. A tree might crash onto our house if we become too comfortable in life, prompting God to disrupt our complacency. While I am not God and cannot predict these events, I clearly observe the correlation.

When considering parenting, I focus on the guidance the Bible provides regarding our children. We are instructed to offer them guidance and structure (Prov 22:6). We must avoid provoking them to anger, as God understands the occasional urge to react impulsively when they are quiet (Ephesians 6:1-4). God grants women the incredible ability to bear children, and we are called to create a joyous home. Reflecting on God as our Father, He leads us through the Holy Spirit and His word. It is reassuring to know that He does not act merely to incite anger in us. The challenges we face have a purpose within a greater plan. We are truly blessed to have a loving home in Christ, where true joy is found in Him. 

It sounds straightforward, right? But then I start thinking about what He asks children to do as well. We all know the command to honor your mother and father (Ephesians 6:1-4). One rule, but how often do we truly honor God? Sure, we all sin, but I'm not just talking about obedience. Honor, according to Google, means "high respect; great esteem, adherence to what is right." It still doesn't seem that hard—have respect, do what is right. But what does respect really mean? Get ready, because the point is coming! Respect means valuing others' feelings and views even if you don't agree, considering them as you would your own, also according to Google. Did you catch that? It means that whenever God is speaking to us, if you second guess Him, doubt, worry, feel fear, or seek someone else's opinion, it's disrespect. That realization hit me like a ton of bricks! How often do we unrepentantly disrespect God?

When my daughter is punished, I feel terrible, but I do it because she will grow and become a responsible adult one day. When I teach her, I know she can grow from it. When she cries out for me and I ignore her, I know it's because she has to learn, and I cannot help her, or she will never learn the lesson. I know that when it's over and we look back at why she was punished, she understands what she did wrong. (Did you notice, looking back, you never see the plan while you are in pain?) I know that when I reassure her that she can be better next time, she finds comfort and grows confident in my words. I know that when I hug her and tell her that I still love her, she hugs me back tightly, understanding that it was necessary. I can't speak for God, but His word does tell us that children are a gift (Psalms 127:3).

I cherish my gift, love my gift but also, I learn from my gift. 

We are to teach our children but look at what they have to teach us. They reveal a new perspective of our Father. Our children are like little mirrors of ourselves. My daughter loves to laugh at her own jokes, it doesn't matter if she is funny or not. She can have a great time making herself laugh. My husband is the same exact way, sometimes I just look at him and think what is so funny, and he can't tell me for making himself laugh so much. We pass on so much to our children, our fears, our worries, our anxieties. We also pass on our strengths, our work ethic, our faith. What passing on to your children? 

God is our Father, He passes on his nature of Love, mercy, grace. In fact, He passes on everything that is good, because the word says that he is good. (James 1:17) God passes on compassion and wisdom. In fact, God tells us that He gives to his children (Luke 11:1) We are His children. The next time your child tests you, whether its bedtime coming home at curfew, just remember that they are reflections of you. What can you teach your child about God in this moment of rebellion? What is God using your child to teach you?

Dear Father

I thank you for the gift of children. I thank you for allowing me to raise and nurture them and guide them in the way they should go. I pray that I give you honor in all that I teach my children. I pray I am slow to anger as you are, that when I discipline, I can teach them a lesson, as you often do with me. I pray that you will guide me as I try to guide them. I pray that when the time comes and I don't know what to do or say that you will fill me with wisdom in how I should parent my children. I thank you for allowing my children to point out my shortcomings and places where I fall short with you. I see now how my children always pull me close to you, for strength, grace, mercy, compassion, wisdom and so much more. God, I pray that I do honor you in how I raise my children, so that they in return can honor you. I thank you for teaching me the lesson through the pain, so that I can continually grow closer to you. I thank you for the love you have shown me by caring enough to guide me to where I should go. It may not be the easiest way, but I know I am better for it. I thank you that you never gave up on me. I thank you that you showed me how a father should treat his children, so that I and my husband have a role model to follow after. I thank you for the gift of parenting. 

In Jesus Name, Amen