It’s no secret. Parenting is tough stuff. Most days, I just wing it the best I know how. But there are days when I am ridiculously overwhelmed with how to be a successful Christian parent.
The world we are raising these soon-to-be adults in is troublesome, frustrating, and at times, down-right scary. My weaknesses and lack of know-how are abundant. I fall short every single day in the Experience and Expertise Department of parenting.
Sure, I ask my mom and mother-in-law for advice. And my friends. And the sweet little ladies in Sunday School. I even ask for guidance from the gas station attendant! Obviously, I need help parenting these kiddos.
I have literally searched the words local mom coach on the Internet. Because, for real, I could use a coach to show me how this is supposed to be done, offer an encouraging pat on the back every now and again, and either confirm or deny just how many granola bars is too many for one four-year-old to ingest per day.
Not surprisingly, the Internet search results were about sports mostly. However, there was that one website advertising a suped-up mini-van for sale. I need a different kind of mom coach than that though.
On the days when I cry, “I’m not cut out for this!”, I need a coach to say, “Atta girl! Keep going!”
I know, I know. Jesus is my coach. He should be the first source I run to – especially on the hard days. He offers peace and encouragement. He is my spiritual guide. But it’s hard to tap into spiritual-mommy-mode when I’m up to my eyeballs in groceries, Legos, and temper tantrums.
That’s why I’ve printed this beautiful scripture out and stuck it on the fridge with magnetic ABCs.
2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds me where to go when the going gets rough.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
“Glory in my infirmities” means this: brag about weakness to God. He already knows my weaknesses. And He already knows I am struggling.
The scripture directs us to tell the Lord all about it. In order to do that, we must acknowledge our weakness first, and then acknowledge we need help.
When we glory in our infirmities, the power of Christ rests upon us. That means he stays with us. He’s right there in the middle of the struggle.
He’s right there patting us on the back when we kneel in prayer. He’s right there gently reminding us to offer apples and cheese sticks in lieu of granola bars. He’s right there comforting us as we comfort those with grumpy attitudes and hurt feelings.
The secret to being a successful Christian parent is not trying harder to be better. It’s telling God how much we lack, how much we need help, and then faithfully waiting upon his intervention.
Blessings to you and yours,
Angelene Woodard with www.unqualifiedmom.com
