Tonight my husband and I were discussing a difficult parenting situation. Feeling defeated, I happened to glance out my bedroom door and see the 2nd story widows I worked so hard to clean today.
I commented that despite my frustration with our parenting troubles, "At least the windows are clean!" I put effort into something [washed the windows], and it made a difference! [I can now see that there are indeed neighbors' homes sorrounding ours]
At times it seems I put so much time, effort, energy and prayer into a parenting issue and see little to no progress-and usually backwards progress! I rarely, if ever, have seen immediate results in the marathon of this parenting journey.
God sparked in my mind a thought as I observed the clean windows. (Okay, so maybe I am taking too much pride in the fact that I washed those windows for the first time in a year. But, gimme a break. I have to get out the ladder, squeegee and an extension wand)
Anyway...I was reminded to keep my eyes focused not on the current plight-lack of progress and this discipline dilemma -but look to the Lord and hope in Him. I must trust him to develop in my child to the behaviors I cannot yet, but hope to see. Trust in Him to grant me much needed wisdom.
Unlike my now-sparkling windows, I can't spray a kid with Windex and immediately wipe away whatever is marring up his little soul. Immediate gratification is not a reward for even the wisest of parenting strategies.
I must simply press on: prayerfully seeking wisdom for parenting; adjusting and readjusting according to my child's changing needs; trusting in the Lord's provision. I must place my hope in Him, not in my own efforts.
Truly, my kids were entrusted to me by God. It is a holy work to raise them. My hope and prayer is that they will bring glory to God and show His love to others in the years to come.
As I strive to raise godly kids, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's encouragement to the church at Corinth.
Therefore...stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
May God always be most glorified.
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