I found Sarah Ann’s web site, FaithAlongTheWay.com, and have been blessed by what she has written. Sarah gave me permission to reprint this article in First Steps this month and on our web site, YourChildsJourney.com.
These are truths that are so freeing when we believe them. I have shared these same ideas in parenting seminars before. But Sarah wrote this so well, I wanted to share these in her words. I hope you are as blessed by this as I have been.
5 Truths that will Transform Your Parenting
Motherhood.
It’s the greatest blessing wrapped into one messy and sleep-deprived adventure. From reading books to bandaging knees, motherhood is filled with moments of pure joy and precious memories to treasure for a lifetime.
But I found out early in my parenting, after my daughter was diagnosed with Autism, that I was making motherhood more difficult than it needed to be.
In my desire to be a “good mom”, I was wrapping myself in a cocoon of stress rather than savoring those sweet memories of her childhood.
It was then, wondering how my role as mom would change as we charted this new territory, that my view of parenting shifted and was changed forever. The gift of clarity that came from learning about my child’s condition lifted the fog from my eyes and I learned to savor what motherhood was about.
These simple truths can transform your parenting, too. When you view parenting through these truths, your perspective will shift forever!
- You’re not perfect.
As moms, we try to feign some resemblance of perfection. We are so desperate for other women to think we excel at motherhood, and we put on a mask of perfection that prohibits others from seeing our true selves.
When we take off the mask and expose ourselves for who we are, moms that fumble through life and sometimes struggle to stay afloat, we create unity and transparency with others. Our fellow moms who watch us juggle life from the outside, will be thrilled to see the reality of our parenting woes. Not ruled by mean ambition or ill-will, others will be relieved that we’re human and that we struggle at times, too.
Underneath our shrouds of perfection, we’re terrified of messing up our kids and praying that our best will be good enough in the end, even though as moms, sometimes we struggle with managing our own feelings, including mom anger.
- Parenthood is not a competition or a Pinterest post.
From over-the-top birthday parties to elaborate vacation plans, moms unknowingly compete to be the best and have the best. Instead of building others up, moms tend to disdainfully judge every aspect of another family’s life.
Yet that’s not what wants God from us.
He calls us to show love by being respectful, no matter how another chooses to parent or whether or not she feeds her family an all organic diet.
What is right for your family may not be right for another, so call off the cavalry and stop competing with each other!
- A season of difficulty does not define your child or your parenting.
When in a season where your child has let you down {if they haven’t yet- they will!}, remember that this does not define your child or your ability to parent. There will be moments and seasons of struggle, disobedience, and rebellion as he/she finds their way in the world.
- Hit your knees and pray for guidance; trusting that God will be faithful to reveal your next steps on your journey through parenthood.
- Draw strength and peace from His Word alone, trusting that He is working in the heart and life of your child.
- Allow yourself to grow as a parent and for God to refine your character through this trial as well.
These truths will change your parenting, even on the hard days.
- Give more grace to your child than they deserve.
It’s human nature to want to hold a grudge and to turn a cold shoulder to those who have hurt or wronged us in some way. Parenting is no different, and it can be tempting to carry around anger and resentment against a child who has consistently done wrong.
Instead of acting in the flesh, give more grace to your little offender than he/she deserves. Be gracious to your child when they stumble, modeling the grace offered freely at the cross to you. After all, your child is a sinner, too, and it’s your job to point them to Jesus in action and in words.
- God gave your child to YOU for a reason.
In those times your parenting journey is tough and overwhelming, it can be easy to question what God is doing.
Remember, He hand-picked YOU to be your child’s parent and has equipped YOU to thrive in that role.
Grab your Bible, the greatest parenting book of all, and pray specifically for strength, wisdom, and grace to penetrate every fiber of your being.
May you learn to radiate the love of Jesus to your child, and to be an example of the hands and feet of Jesus as you trust that God does not make mistakes.
May He who placed you with your family members lavish you with joy on the journey of parenthood, today and always.
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Thank you, Sarah Ann for sharing this wonderful article with us.
Blessings!
Diane
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Sarah Ann has some excellent resources for moms and families.
- Be sure to visit her web site: Faith Along the Way
- When you can join her list for weekly encouragement she will offer one of her freebies.
- If you are struggling with anger, why not check out her on-line course, 7 Days to a Less Angry Mom, to help keep your emotions in check. With 7 videos and over 50 workbook pages to help you examine your true responses to motherhood frustrations, this course will help even the best of moms combat feelings of mom anger for good. With the early bird price of $29 and bonus videos to help you help your child, this is a resource every mom needs!