One thing I feel God impressing upon me lately is the truth of His sovereignty and how it might apply to my life as a mom...
...that I can try with all my might to be the perfect mother, but that doesn't guarantee the outcome of my kids
...that God didn't create cookie-cutter Christians, and therefore there is no one right way of training your kids
...that even if the "fruit" I so desperately want to see displayed in my kids doesn't appear to exist, it does not mean that I'm doing a bad job -- I sense God telling me not to get discouraged, because He is able to use the events of my kids' youth to form them into the men He wants them to be
How oddly it strikes me now, that after reading a number of really good parenting books I really felt like I was in control over how my kids turn out. Ha! GOD is in control, and {1} He is good and does only good; {2} He has plans to prosper my kids and me, not to harm; and {3} He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him. Knowing all of this, I don't even want to be in control! I will follow Him.
So this is just a quick update as to where I'm at these days. I deeply hope that God will use my struggles to encourage others of His goodness and love!!
{1} Psalm 119:68, {2} Jeremiah 29:11, {3} Romans 8:28
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Ah, yes, my friend!
GOD is in control. Period.
Had this conversation with some moms last week after I spoke for a MOPS group. While I would love to have a specific formula to follow which is guaranteed to produce perfect children, I know it just doesn't exist. Besides, I would be a rather shallow person if I just had to follow a formula. (Though, when I'm in the midst of the struggle, shallow sounds appealing. *sigh*)
I read a great article about just this thing. Go to christianitytoday.com and search for 'The Myth of the Perfect Parent'. It's fantastic!
So good to 'hear' your voice again!
Hi Sara. Just popping in to see if you've been posting! I love what God is teaching you.
I think I've said it before, but I could have written almost the exact same thoughts a few years ago when my kids were younger. It's been awesome to watch my oldest, now 15 1/2, develop more and more maturity and fruit the past couple years. They really do grow up! Hang in there!
Thank you for your encouragement, Chris! It is so reassuring to me to know other moms have gone through what I'm going through... and they survived, AND their son(s) survived and are doing well!
Karen -- thank you for your understanding and kind words too. Oh yes, how I DO want a formula to follow that is guaranteed to produce perfect children!! :) But as you said, non-existent. And for good reason. Why would we rely on God then? :) LOVE the "Myth" article too -- I printed it out -- so good!
Post a Comment