Parenting: The Toughest and Most Rewarding Job

5/2/2015

If you're a parent and have experienced "one of those mornings" with your child, can I hear a "Oh yeah!"? Today is my day. I have a friend who reminds me often teenagers aren't themselves during these years, this offers me encouragement yet in the depths of emotions, tears, fears, anxiety, and teen stress...sometimes this brings no comfort.

To be a mom is a constant, 24/7 job, and the most important thing I can do. When we care about something, we are invested and determined. The cost of failure is life changing and impacts our children's lives long beyond our time on earth.

I see a lot if myself in my daughter and a lot of my father in me as I parent. This morning, after a gut wrenching and difficult start to our day, I recognize the mirror. I need to put myself in Mags shoes and remember how I felt on days like this.

We left forty-five minutes later than planned, not late, but well beyond the goal time. Rather than a relaxing morning of quiet time and coffee, it was a miserable morning induced by a lack of sleep and nerves. "Pray first." Was not a success today. Instead of encouraging our daughter in the few minutes we had together, it was more of an emotional release. The stress thrust on her because of the importance of the SAT in order to get into college, comparing herself to her peers, and the lack of sleep produced this draining morning.

This is where my poor parenting comes in to play. Instead of saying "no" to her doing something with friends after school and going to the lacrosse game, I agreed on the condition she went to bed as soon as we were home. But due to my schedule and things to do, this wasn't possible.

As my husband drives, I feel like a failure! Not a good mother or person kind of day. I'm supposed to speak in a few hours to encourage, uplift, and inspire a room full of women yet after the morning I had, I question why God would call such a mess to have such a blessing, to speak for Him. Then again, isn't that so much like God, to use the broken and imperfect to share about His power and working in our lives? It is! I'm thankful for this and look forward to the blessings before us today.

Why do I share my embarrassing and disappointing morning as a parent with all of you? At first, it was a "let it go" kind of moment but after praying, asking a friend to join us in prayer, and typing...His peace overcomes me. And a reminder...

The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart to say "Lisa, fear is not of God. Remember, when God has plans, satan will attempt to steal our joy and focus. You are a child of God, fear not." God is with Mags as she takes her SAT, and He is with us as we travel. God is with the moms and women preparing to attend today's event in Lockport. God is the same today and tomorrow, trusting Him and letting His peace flood my heart.

Speaking for Him, to share hope and show it is possible to get through the challenges when we keep our eyes focused on Him. Thanks for praying...

When you experience a morning like this, what helps you get refocused? Before leaving, I hugged my daughter and told her I love her. She is amazing and so much like me, watch out world. Another determined young lady is setting goals and striving to reach them.

Until next time...keep the faith and learn from the challenging moments.

Speaking for Him, to share hope and show it is possible to get through the challenges when we keep our eyes focused on Him. Thanks for praying...

Until next time...keep the faith and learn from the challenging moments.

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