Sometimes parenting is so much fun.
Sometimes parenting is very rewarding.
And sometimes it is just flat out HARD! Sometimes it feels like a big fat sack of thankless responsibility.
Like those times when you have to set boundaries for your kid for their own good and they don't understand it. Or when you have to say no to something they want. And the conversation might go something like this..
"All I want is..."
Yes, child, but you can't see how getting that thing will lead to things you DON'T want. When Dad and I say no, there is a good reason. We never say no just for saying no's sake.
"You don't understand!"
Actually, I do. In this case YOU are the one who doesn't understand. But that's ok because I have had the experience, and you haven't. So whether you understand or not, I will help you do the right thing.
"I'm mad because you didn't give me..."
I know. But you seem to forget all the things I HAVE given you.
And then I hear God standing right behind me clearing his throat.
Because lately, I've been feeling like a thwarted child.
"God, all I want is for my sister to be healed of cancer...my kids to be happy all the time...my job to be easy.... Why are you telling me no?"
When I say no, it is for a good reason. I never say "no" just for saying no's sake.
"But you don't understand!"
Actually, I do. In this case YOU are the on who doesn't understand. But that's ok because I can see the whole picture and you can't. So whether you understand or not, I will do the right thing for you.
"I'm mad because you didn't give me...more money, less pain, the answer I wanted..."
I know, dear little daughter that I love, but you seem to forget all the things I HAVE given you.
And like someone's Child, I cry and pout. But like someone's Child, I still love my Parent.
And hopefully, I grow. Like I have seen my own children do.
Someday, my kids will have kids. And they will see things in a whole new way. Just as someday, I will sit with my Father and understand. But for now, I will give my child grace and love. And I will rest in the Grace and Love given to me. Because I am Someone's Child.
