“Didn’t we go through this all yesterday? Don’t you remember the consequence?”
My youngest had started off his day on the grumpy side. He had the same problems with his temper the day before as well. I thought to myself, “Oh no, not again. I really don’t have the energy for this.”
What if God said the same to me when I commit the same sin, yet again?
I so easily forget that parenting is a marathon and not a sprint. I focus my energies on my children’s outward behaviors, of trying to get them to stop a certain problematic behavior, and then breathe a sigh of relief when it seems they have learned their lesson. I mark it off on the list: 1)not running in the parking lot-check, 2) listening the first time-check, 3) sharing their toys-check, 4) no angry outbursts-check. But a few weeks go by, and they are back to the same problem again. I get frustrated and think, “what went wrong?”
Children are sinful, fallen humans just like the rest of us. And like the rest of us, they will continue to sin until the Lord returns.
I focus on specific behavior, especially whatever frustrates me most, and often forget the more important issue-their heart. All sin stems from a core heart problem. My efforts and energies in parenting my children need to focus on pointing them to the cross and the grace of the gospel.
The most important thing any of us need, including our children, is to see how sinful we are and how much we need a Savior. Secondly, we need to come to know and love our Savior who died for our sins. We need to know we’ve been forgiven because Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. We need to know that God looks at us and sees the perfect life Jesus lived.
My children need to know all of that too.
It takes a lifetime to walk this path of holiness. Even the apostle Paul, after many years of serving Jesus faithfully, described himself as the worst of sinners. Getting frustrated because my boys haven’t learned a rule I’ve told them a hundred times, means that I’ve forgotten the goal of parenting.
My job is to reflect the grace of God and disciple my children in the gospel of grace. The more they come to grasp what Jesus did for them, the more they will respond in love and obedience to the One who saved them.
I have my own struggles with sin. I have my own challenges with learning the lessons God is teaching me. There is no doubt that God has to repeatedly remind me of the truth, time and time again.
As I run this race alongside my children, I need to encourage them to keep running. I need to remind them of what lies ahead, why we are on this path, and who laid this path for us to follow. No matter how many times they fall or run off the course, I need to help them continue forward. They won’t win the race today; it’s a slow and steady run to the finish.
“Mommy, I need a hug.” My little guy had calmed down and asked to sit on my lap for a while. We snuggled, talked, and prayed.
Isn’t that what our Father wants to do with us? When we stumble in sin, God wants us to repent and remember what Jesus accomplished for us-gaining us free and easy access to the lap of our Father.
Have you had a “teach me Jesus” moment this week?
Thank you.
And you are welcome, sweet friend!
Love. Oh to climb up on the lap of Abba and rest in his embrace!
And I need His embrace today!
I love this. I love this. I love this. And as a marathon runner, I really get this analogy . As a parent, I REALLY get this analogy! Such a good reminder this morning — always look at the heart. Always reflect grace.
Life gets so crazy and we worry about what other people think that we focus on everything else but the heart. At least that’s what I do:) Thanks for visiting!
Such wise words for mama’s! How often we demand a perfection from our children, that we could never obtain ourselves!
Oh yes! I expect way more from my kids than I expect from myself sometimes. I have to look at them the way God sees them and the way He sees me. Thanks for visiting!
I liked your comparison of child training to running a marathon. So easy for me to relate to, having run two 1/2 marathons. It reminds me there will always be something to work on in training my kids. I need to keep the long term goal in mind. Thanks for your post!
I wish I could say I’ve run marathons:) But I do know it takes endurance and patience to get to the end of any race. That’s what I have to tell myself every day.
Oh how I love this..
and YES- I did have a moment -
all focused on putting my own self aside and focusing on my son.
You know, learning to live like Jesus loved and all that.
(So not easy.)
Hope I get to read about it soon:) Blessings to you!
Oh yes, and with parenting struggles but I learn fom you better choices in Sheparding them.
Thanks for visiting! Blessings!
My girls are always great at being used by God - to put NHL Playoff season in perspective. “Daddy, can they see you through the TV?” no. “So why are you doing all of that?”
Touche’, God. Touche’.
Seems like everything can be compared to hockey for you!:) Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for leaving a lovely comment on my blog. I appreciate this. Through another blog link up site I happened upon recently, I am getting to visit lots of lovely blogs like your own.
I am in awe that the LORD is raising up a generation of Godly mums who are set in their hearts to pass on His goodness and mercy to their children. You Christian mother’s rock. You have such a privilege to teach and equip the next generation with Christian teaching and Godly principles. Be encouraged that you are not only blessed here with such beautiful children but you will receive many rewards in Heaven for the Godly influence you impart to these little ones.
You are so kind! I appreciate you visiting here. I love visiting other blogs and meeting new people. It’s wonderful to read how God is working in the lives of others.
Just found your blog! Found you from Hip Homeschooler’s. Such wise advice! There are days that one can feel overwelmed and wonder why we continue to change diapers, fold another load of laundry, check another piece of homework when we have taught that lesson several times with no success in one day… but it is a marathon and such is life.
It’s all about teaching them Who Jesus is and living it in front of them
Maybe even somedays using our words God bless! thank you for such a wonderful blog! I look forward to continue to read it!
It’s the living it out in front of them where I fall the most:) Thanks for visiting and leaving such a kind comment. Blessings to you and your family!
I seem to need His grace the most when it comes to these precious lives He has given me. It is through them, He teaches me the most.