Monday, February 15, 2010

Monday

I'm sitting here at my desk with my cup of hot coffee looking out the window as the snow is falling. We already have several inches on the ground from a winter storm last week and today we are expected to get another 6-9 inches. The boys are happy and content because they already had the day off from school and now plans are being made to play in the snow.

I'm thinking about last night and a couple of situations that were happening in the lives of two of our children. Being a parent is hard. Being a parent of teenagers is hard. I'm constantly trying to be two steps ahead and just when I am feeling settled and prepared, I realize that I really have to be five steps ahead.

My husband and I were trying to have the right answers and the right things to say. We wanted to say the things that were true, encouraging and filled with wisdom that only God can give. Our hearts were hurting because our child's heart was hurting, so we wanted to protect and stand up for our child knowing that it may have been misunderstood.

In the middle of all that, another situation came up with another child. One that needed to be handled honestly and right at that moment. We were caught up in one thing and needed to switch gears and be focused to handle a new situation. It's a situation that I knew would eventually come. I've had the conversation rehearsed in my mind of all the motherly things I would say. I was caught off guard and wasn't as ready as I thought I was. "Not this right now Lord. I can only handle one thing at a time",  I thought. It's too soon and yes, there is that part of my heart that just doesn't want my children to grow up.

I can look back this morning and know that both situations were handled with grace, understanding and honesty. There was even some laughter and I hope the reassurance and trust that we are always here for them- no matter what. Most of all, I know that every word that was spoken and hug that was given was filled with a whole lot of love.

6 comments:

  1. Thank you for your honesty about parenting teenage boys, C. I know I've got a ways to go before I'm there, but it encourages me to know that someone I look up to has "gone before." You have blessed me this morning.

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  2. Oh Christy...you guys are doing the best you can and it sounds like you did it right. Keep talking to your children and pointing them in the right direction with God's word directing you and always leading them back to Christ. Believe me it's not easy and they may not seem to hear what you say BUT they do. Our youngest was our toughest on us and himself...we were literally on our knees alot. He will be 21 next month and we have a great relationship with him and he has heard alot of what we said because he is now sharing it with his friends and he is making good choices MOST of the time. Just keep praying!!!

    Love the photo of the boys with their air soft guns and the camo...reminds me of our son too and he always left me a pile like you showed us. And I applaud you too for trying to keep your children children longer....they will grow up in time. I always tried to do that too!

    Have a good week! Connie

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  3. Hi Christy. This is a great post. I love that God honors our parenting when we do it in love. Not perfection. But love. Enjoy your day in the snow with your coffee Friend!

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  4. Christy~
    What a heartfelt post!! Yes, it is so difficult raising teenagers, BUT God is always so faithful to lead and guide us along the way.

    You are doing the right thing and it's SO important to 'be there' for your children...even if you don't always feel like you have the right answer.

    Our children LONG for time with us...knowing that we will listen and always be there!

    You are doing a GREAT job...just look at your amazing daughter!!

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  5. Grace, understanding, and honesty... that is a gift to your children, and what I want to mark how I react and handle situations that arise. Unfortunately, my first reaction is usually an overreaction. I'm working on that this year with God's words for me in 2010: Grace, Mercy, Comfort, Joy, Wisdom, and Love...

    Good job and thanks for being a good example. Love to you~
    Jennifer

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  6. It sounds like your seriously doing your best... isn't that the best we can do? May the Lord be merciful :)

    Thanks for sharing your heart. I'm not there yet, but it won't be very long now...

    amy in peru

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