The road less traveled!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Parenting is definitely the most difficult thing I've ever done. Somedays it feels I make so many more mistakes than get it right. One of my new friends here sent me a get-to- know-you survey & one of the questions was "What are you most afraid of?"
This made me stop & think, what am I afraid of? Failing as a parent - yes, yes YES. Being physically alone- definitely rates up there. Terminal illness (not seeing my children grow up) - definitely. Someone else raising my children for me - yes. But what am I MOST afraid of? Well ...I am most afraid of my children not becoming Christians & having a personal relationship with God.
So what can I do about this - I mean ultimately I cannot make the decision for my children - this is between them & God & although I would love to get in there & force them into it - I cannot - it's not possible, & I know God won't force them- that's not his way.
All I can do is pray, pray, PRAY for them...
...And teach them about God - every day/hour/minute/second of my life- really live for him & show them this. Lead by example!

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts & minds; tie them as symbols on your hands & bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home & when you walk along the road, when you lie down & when you get up." Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)

5 comments:

Queen to my 3 Boys said...

Mmmm...hmmmm...my fear as well. I am on my knees about this often.

Anonymous said...

That's a great verse, Narn!!! I'm sure you've memorized it!!!
I remember..many years ago...getting frustrated with littlies as I was trying to prepare a Bible Study I was leading - they kept interrupting, and I was getting really annoyed (sorry Narn, it was probably you and Sel!!) - and not getting that study done. I realized then (well, okay I was prompted by the Holy Spirit) that even if I led the greatest most inspiring Bible Study, but my kids rejected God because of my attitude, I would have failed!! Another friend complained one day at about that time how much her child hindered her ministry (He actually was her ministry). It is an awesome task that God has given mothers - but He doesn't leave us on our own!!! Call on Him, as you said Pray, pray, PRAY, ask for wisdom and show His love. And of course remember He loves them more than you do. But it is only by His great mercy that any of us are saved!!!
Turn your fears over to Him. And remember that He is sovereign and sees all of our lives from an eternal perspective, not just the here and now. The Lord knows the very best things for all of us, and even if they aren't the things we might choose, He doesn't leave us alone to flounder by ourselves. He gives us the strength to get through.
Lots of love Mumxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps - don't worry too much about things as it achieves nothing at all!!!!!! oh yeah, and the things we worry about don't usually happen (other things do!!!!!!!!!) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kimmie said...

My fear...having no control. Something I have battled for years.

God is our strength and as we empty ourselves and follow Him, He teaches us and shows us the Way.

Parenting is definitely difficult, though so rewarding.

I'll add (as I think you need to hear it)...
homeschooling is difficult (at times)...but so thoroughly rewarding.
Trust God-don't let fear rule you...only let God.

Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted

megs @ whadusay said...

I agree completely. That is my biggest fear too, and sometimes I get overwhelmed with the enormity of the task, but then I remember that I don't have to do this alone. That God is right beside me and that He loves my children more than I do. We are in this parenting thing together! Pretty awesome thought!

Thanks for this post and the verse too!

Anonymous said...

I definitely share this fear for my children, but I know that the Lord loves them even more than I do, and so I just pray. I pray that he will keep them close, and I pray for their understanding and acceptance of the truth. I know that God can, and does work in their hearts, and He alone can bring them to Him.

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:44)

Your love for your children is so strong, and so evident in your posts. It really touches my heart!

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