This week, just like another time this year, we had a celebratory moment on the heels of a hard moment. Another chance to teach our kids the beauty of the bittersweet moments in life. Again, we embraced the moment. Lead by God we found such peace and joy in both that day.
Life’s sweetness doesn’t require the absence of all conflict. If we are waiting for perfection before we relax into the beautiful, then we never will. We must learn to gracefully move through all things.
We had victory this week. Doing something difficult, wrapped in prayer and steeped in partnership. Then doing something fun and celebrating a child’s birthday.
I feel like we do our children a disservice when we always curate perfection and comfort around them. If you ask me, we all need to face discomfort to learn how to walk victoriously through disappointment. I believe much in our world would be better if would allow our kids to experience difficulty…without us clearing their way. Staying by their side as they learn to clear the path, we will create a more resilient future.
My children gain strength every day as we advise them through the challenges. They grow in confidence and trust as we allow them to maneuver through their own troubles.
I’m loving the season of parenting we are currently in, watching my kids spread their wings. But we’ve been preparing for this since the start. I remember when one of our kids had legitimate issues with a teacher openly humiliating our child in front of the whole class. I was so angry. She was only in 4th grade. I wanted to go punch that teacher in the face, if I’m honest. But God told me to stand back and watch. He led my daughter through this difficult time and it’s one reason she’s able to stand firm now.
Sometimes, in our effort to defend our kids, we debilitate them by doing what they need to do for themselves.
God is the same with us. He could mow the way before us, but He knows that the road to strength is through adversity.
He is such a good God.
Next time you see trouble on the horizon, I encourage you to ask God if He is giving you an opportunity to grow. Then if you’re brave enough, embrace it.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2
365 Days in the Presence 