Do you have a teenager? Are you a parent, aunt or uncle, neighbor, grandparent, educator, etc. We all know teenagers. They are (at times) ungrateful, annoying, disobedient, and, OH are they opinionated and independent. Of course their way will work BETTER than mine. Insert: eye roll.
Now, if you know me, you know I love and adore my boys. They are my life's work, and I pour into them to the point of exhaustion. But, to me - it's worth it. I am hopeful the wisdom I share helps each of them avoid pitfalls and wrong turns. I am hopeful they do not feel the need to make ALL the mistakes to learn the lessons as I did. Side note: as a teenager, I frequently told my parents to 'let me make my own mistakes'... I was an idiot. I think of how much they have grown and all of the great things they will accomplish during their lives. I think often of the impact they have on the others around them. And they make me so proud. I share this with you to explain that I do, in fact, love my children. Yes, I get frustrated when they prefer not to time to spend with me, when they disagree with the rules of our home and when the rules are completely disregarded, when they complain about how bad their life is, when they are not grateful for what I provide for them. But, how my heart shines when my sons receive a compliment from an adult who notices the way in which each of them are different from the others, when my sweet young men offer comfort and tissues to a teary eyed mama, and when we have heart to heart conversations and they admit they can see why I ask what I do of them. In these moments, among others, I breathe a sigh of peace and joy. It is well. And, it is worth it.
Let's go back to the unflattering picture of a teenager. That is me. I am too busy to stop what I am doing to spend time with Him. I complain about my life and how much more I have in mind for me. I am not always obedient to what he asks of me. I don't always understand WHY he asks certain things of me. Ouch. I am God's bratty little teenager. My spirit is crushed. I am embarrassed and filled with shame. How can He love me? I am such a jerk. Yet, he is so patient with me. He offers such grace and mercy.
God uses my children to teach me about myself. He knows how to get my attention. Am I as good of a parent to my children as He is to me? No. Am I as patient? No. As full of mercy? No. I say things like how many times do I need to tell you NOT to wear your shoes inside the house and I just cleaned the floor (again) and now you have made the floor dirty (again). Clearly, I am not the perfect parent as He is. And yet, when my children make me angry, really angry, do I love them? Yes - without question. Do I forgive them? Eventually... I am not Jesus. Will I continue to love, support, guide, discipline, and grow my children? Yes. And why? Because I love them. And how much more does God love me, you, us, etc. Though I am the ULTIMATE bratty teenager. He loves me still. He comforts me still. He forgives me still. And I am thankful.
Father, I am humbled by your love for me. I am thankful that you continue to pour into me. I am overwhelmed by your gentleness and grace in how you handle me. Please give me the wisdom, guidance, peace and patience to parent more like you and less like me.
