10/09/2021
One day when I was picking up my daughterfrom elementary school, she realized she had forgotten something and had to go back to her classroom. I told her to hurry because we had an appointment.
When I saw her walking back slowly, I motioned for her to move quicker, and to my frustration, she went even slower. When she got to the car, I asked her why she didn’t obey, and she defiantly replied, “I didn’t want to!” During that season of parenting, even the simplest of tasks, like teeth brushing, took so much effort. We kept trying new parenting approaches, hoping something would work.
At that time, I looked to God’s Word for encouragement. A favorite verse was Galatians 6:9, which says, “Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” While this verse was not written specifically for the context of parenting, it applies to all of the Christian life, and it encourages us that there is a harvest or reward for those who persevere in the trials before them.
As parents, we can easily assume: “As long as I do everything right, then my kids will turn out OK.” However, this idea leaves out free choice … the same free choice God gives each of us. Thinking you somehow have control over your child’s destiny is crazy-making and puts undue pressure on you. I know; I’ve been a part of this crazy-making.
Consider this: What if struggle is exactly what our children need in order to soar?
For years, I sought the Lord as I parented my daughter but much more than that — I prayed fervently for her heart. The Lord was faithful to work in us both, and I’m grateful to say that now my daughter and I have a beautiful relationship.
Mom, when you feel like you’re not getting through to your child, you are. When you feel like she isn’t seeing all you do, she is. When you feel like he isn’t paying attention to what you’re doing, he is. What you do is not in vain. Your child is taking it all in. A harvest is on the other side if you remain faithful, and it’s worth it.
-Lucille Williams
What hard parenting or family relationship are you struggling through right now?
