Parenting never ends…we walk through life with those we bring into it…from the cradle to the grave. Just as Christ walks with us…parenting being a reflection of our walk with Him…
The biggest lie I was sold when I first became a mother was that I could really have freedom once my kids began to go to school every day. For some reason most of the moms around me were most focused on being freed from these precious lives that they had pretended to desire so deeply.
Why?
Why is it so bad to be a parent?
What’s wrong with sacrificing our time, our individual goals and dreams to partner as a family unit.
I found so much frustration and emptiness when I attempted to follow the status quo. I was always irritated. Always tired. Everything felt like a stretch. I hated having my kids shipped off to basically be raised by teachers. Trained by people who barely knew them.
What values did those teachers have and did they even truly care about my children? What happens when they sneak a corrupt teaching into the day and my kids don’t notice but it takes root in their hearts? How do I maintain a true connection with their hearts when we get precious few moments together in the evenings and most of it is consumed with homework or sports practice?
Again, parenting is a reflection of our walk with Jesus…all these same scenarios can be stated from His perspective too…He should be our first parent, teacher, friend, love…
We’ve been sold a lie.
That lie masquerades as a successful life.
I hate it.
I spit it out of my mouth because the taste of it is like bile.
Rise up parents!!! Rise up!!!
Take back the gift God gave to you. Become a true parent. Don’t just get caught up in the tumult of activities you’re pulled into. Make real decisions and don’t worry about outside influences.
Be the main influence in your kids lives. Don’t be afraid that you’re not enough…you aren’t ever going to be enough, but that’s not the point. The point is that God is enough and if we can stay content and focused on the lives before us, then we will walk in plenty not in want.
When we are given children, we are given a lifetime to be an example. A lifetime to be a counselor and to become a counselor/friend. It’s a privilege, not a burden. It’s a joy. It can lead to the greatest contentment we ever experience.
Oh, the gift of contentment.
What is achievement anyway?
In the past I would’ve answered one way, but today I’d say…achievement is raising children who know they are loved, who are unafraid to venture out and fail because they know our home is safe, who are brave enough to be creative, who love with all their might and don’t hide it, who know Jesus and have real relationship with Him.
What’s the value of church if it never leads to a real relationship with Jesus?
Today, I encourage you to take stock of your life. Are you following the status quo just because it’s all you’ve ever known, or are you following Jesus?
That’s the foundational question we must all face, no matter what season of life we are currently living.
Am I following Jesus or just what I feel is expected of me?
Begin there…I’m excited to see where it leads you!
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths. You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect Your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with Your commands. As I learn Your righteous regulations, I will thank You by living as I should! I will obey Your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! Psalm 119:1-8
365 Days in the Presence 