Never Gonna Get It

I recently read an article online called "Godly Parenting:Getting Our Hearts Right".  The title intrigued me, and let's face it--I need all the parenting help I can get.  Especially if it is from God.

One of the assertions the author gives is that healthy people are better parents and recommended that parents savor life, live in thanksgiving, utilize talents to challenge yourself, and serve others.  He supposes that if we each would do those things it would make us better parents because we would be in better health ourselves.  Sure, but I think in my case, I'd be a better parent if I got enough sleep each night that I could have a right-out-of-bed-happy attitude, and enough energy to keep up with the kids, or that my joints didn't ache when I had to chase them up the stairs.

His next idea is that we need to keep a spiritual perspective to handle all the ups and downs of being a parent.  If we can understand that we are God's child and as a perfect parent He will help us, we might be better ready to help our own  child (who is also God's) and follow the example of a perfect parent in dealing with our kids.  This is a great idea, but it is sure hard to remember in the heat of the moment.  Usually it is that exact moment when my brain suddenly thinks "I could ground her now but then I'd be grounded too" or "Spanking, oh yes, it is time."

Finally, the author points out that submission is a necessity of good parenting. I am somewhat stubborn, and have a pretty head-strong child.  Generally, the last think I think of is submission.  That is not to say that I shouldn't be thinking about submission to God, but it is usually way down my list--maybe that is the problem.

He wrote: "We regularly try to turn parenting into a test of of skills.  We're often wondering how to out-maneuver the child or cure this behavior or discourage that tendency.  Skills matter.  Even more, our understanding of children matters.  But no amount of skill or understanding can balance a heart that is trying to operate independent of God." 

Now, I absolutely see the need for understanding the child.  It is vitally important--as any parent with more than one knows, they don't come to you alike.  They are pre-wired so differently, that if you didn't know they were yours, you might wonder.  The minute I figured out how things worked for The Girl, then I realized that The Boy did things totally different.  But I also think skills matter. And they matter a lot.  The real shift I have from the author is that I see God as a source of those skills.  And for that option to help me, I know I need His mercy to accept His ideas and His plan for these kids.

The intent of the the author was to help me, and other parents, see the need we have to recognize our dependence on God for His mercy, which, in turn, will aid us in parenting.  It was a nice idea.  And worth the time I have spent mulling it over.  I just wish I could get it as instantaneously and internally as an inoculation.  A little Godly shot of good parenting would sure make my life a whole lot easier some days.  But I guess "patience" is another topic for another day.