I'm going to be honest with you today. I have seriously been questioning my parenting capabilities as of late. And my general qualifications as a wife as well. I yell at my boys (and girls) daily. The microwave saves dinner often. Heath has to scavenge for clean socks (sometimes undies) on more than one occasion. The children seem to be full of disobedience, idleness, lies. And then the questions of defeat come knocking at my door.
~Am I doing enough to raise my children right?
~Can I work more to give them a proper upbringing?
~What more can I do to be better?
~What am I missing?
~Why won't these cycles ever change?
I have spent many nights over the last month broken hearted and defeated before God. And these are five things I've have learned.
*1- It's not about me. For I am just a broken being God has redeemed.
*2-I cannot work, do, discipline or love enough. For my strength is in Him only.
*3-These children are not mine. For I have only been granted stewardship from The Most High.
*4-I am not alone. For this is not a wilderness in which I have been left alone.
*5- There aren't any get right quick schemes that work. For this is a race of endurance led by my Savior Himself.
It would be nice if we could say certain words in certain ways, a certain amount of times and have the "perfect" child. But we are not puppeteers or magicians. We are child of God, raising His blessings. It takes time, faith, trust, hope, and hard work. And we as Moms (with a few Dads) are getting together to strengthen, support, and encourage one another for 21 Days in Prayer for our Sons. Brooke McGlothlin has written a wonderful prayer guide that has launched this world wide event (there is a leader living in Thailand!) that begins June 8th. And I'm going to give away one of her books this week to get one Mom started. Leave me a comment telling me how many boys you have and their ages, and one way I can pray for you over this next month. And June 7th at 9pm CST I'll choose a winner! And don't forget to go over to 21 Days of Prayer for Sons and join a group.
Beth
I have 1 son, age 2 1/2.
ReplyDeleteIf it's not too much trouble, we are looking for a house to move into, where our 3 kids can play safely; and my husband doesn't have to worry about us when he works out of town. Such a small thing, but it would make such a big difference for us.
God bless you!
I have one biological son who is 15 and a son who just turned 1 waiting for us in Haiti. Could you please pray that our son's (Nathan) adoption from Haiti will be completed soon? It would be so nice to have him home!
ReplyDeleteThanks for praying
I have an 11 year old son, a 9 year old son AND an 8 year old daughter! I LOVED reading your post today as I have been feeling as if I am 'struggling' as of late too! Good to know that I am not alone and to be reminded AGAIN that it is NOT about ME!! Thank you for your wisdom! Would you please pray that I would move closer to the Lord and be the Mom that HE longs for me to be! THanks!!!
ReplyDeleteI have the book, but I'd love to win a copy for my friend Kama! She has two young boys and is pregnant with #3!
ReplyDeleteI am also doing a giveaway for this book it is so great.
ReplyDeletewww.ourjoyfulliving.com
I'd love a copy from this book! I have two kids, DS has turned three yesterday and DD will be nine soon. And then there is my DH...does he count as a boy? I pray for unconditional love and that I always see them as I see them now...the most important things in my life!
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, I could have written the above post... I've been struggling with a lot of failure here also. I've heard a lot about the Warrior Prayers but I've not jumped in the pool yet. I would love to win a book and join in. As far as prayer goes, I just really need wisdom. I've got an 11 yr old boy and a 6 year old boy + the 3 girls... My desire is that they be Godly leaders even now at their young ages.
ReplyDeleteI too struggle even though I only have one son. We struggled so many years to get him here and we are continually praying for guidance on how to raise him in a Christian home and environment. Even before he was here I prayed that I would have the knowledge and wisdom to teach him the "right" path. I would love to have a copy of the book and to join the group to help us with raising our miracle son. Times have changed even since I was a kid, and it seems to get harder and harder for our children to grow up in a Christian environment with all the world has to show them.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower on your blog. Just read this post and I can so relate. At that place right now, once again. I've done 21 Days of Prayer twice...been broken and come humbled and renewed by others' writings about mother's ministries. So many good books pointing out the truths and realities of God's word. Thank you for sharing!
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