I've been thinking a lot about parenthood lately. Not surprising, as mothering consumes the vast majority of my time. I truly believe that parenting is both the most rewarding and most frustrating job in the world. You seriously can't beat the satisfaction, fulfillment and joy you get from seeing your child learn, thrive and love. There are few feelings greater than receiving genuine affection from your child--hugs, kisses, hearing them say, "I love you, mommy."
There are also few things more frustrating than training your children. As their parent, it's your responsibility to help them to understand right and wrong, what is and is not acceptable behavior, etc. When they are finally old enough to understand such things, at least on a basic level, you have to undertake this effort with diligence and consistency, and with probably the greatest quantity of patience you've ever had to muster. When they disobey, you discipline them, and let them know that there are consequences to their actions. You want so badly for them to obey, and to WANT to obey. When they sometimes so willfully disobey, it is SO disheartening.
Love for your children is like no other love. It's unconditional. No matter what they do, you love them, because they're yours. They create the highest highs and the lowest lows. I think this is a little glimpse into how God feels about us. He loves us SO much--way more than we could possibly comprehend. When we show Him love, or show love to others, He is pleased, for that is what He made us to do. He gives us guidance about how to think and behave, and when we miss the mark, it saddens Him. When we willfully disobey, stamping our feet like a recalcitrant toddler and screaming, "But I don't WANT to," it really hurts Him, because He wants the best for us. Sometimes, He gives us grace. Sometimes, He disciplines us. Things always work out better when we repent and get back on the path He sets for us.
Parenting is an everyday reminder for me of how my relationship with God should work. When I experience my child's disobedience, it's like I'm staring my own waywardness right in the face. I have a feeling God was very purposeful in creating this dynamic. I understand the depth how He feels about me now more than ever. I just hope my children can experience a glimpse of God through me, too.
2 comments:
Wow! I've been processing these same thoughts today. John simply was refusing to listen and obey this morning and my patience was thin (actually, it was nonexistent). After yelling at him and sending him to the car for school, I was reminded of Cal's sermon this weekend. About God being crazy about us and how his glorious grace is more than sufficient for us (even when we yell at our kids!). I'm crazy about my kids and I would do anything for them--so why is it so difficult to grant grace after the upteenth time I've had to tell John to get his shoes on? And then I started feeling guilty for not sharing God's grace with my sweet John--who is actually God's child whom God has given me as a sacred charge (feeling guilty). Then I started thinking about the parable of the man who owed money, was forgiven, then turned around and threw his debtor into jail. Yeah, I was feeling a lot like that guy! :(
I just now saw your comment, Alli. Yeah, after our most recent trip, I feel more guilty than ever. I lost patience with Katherine a lot. God is continually using parenthood as a teaching tool for me. Why do I always have to be a work in progress?! ;)
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