Stay in the fight

I have something to confess to the blogging world.

I used to be a perfect parent.

Before I had kids.

But in all seriousness, I think most of us start out our parenting years with plans, ideas and think so's of what our 18+ years of parenthood will be.

I know for me, I envisioned family dinners around the table, nighttime devotionals, crafting projects with bible themed learning, church ministries and bedtime prayers.

I imagined never taking my frustrations out on my children, always showing patience, and loving every single second of motherhood with everything in me.

Even while the kids are young, we still tend to have it figured out. But eventually kids get minds of their own. Situations change. Influences come into the picture that you have little (if any) control over.

And suddenly you realize this parenthood thing is the most difficult task you'll ever complete.

How do you teach your kids the values and morals you hold dear while other influences discourage them?

Kids at school, friends, perhaps even teachers or family members; I don't know your situation, but I know you probably have parental road blocks that get in the way of your ideals and goals for your kids.

Sometimes you have to take a stand and make hard decisions to keep the values you are trying to teach your kids.

Perhaps they are not allowed to watch certain things, even when their friends are.

But sometimes you have to learn to let go, and trust that they are in God's hands. (Like the first time your little girl spends the night away from home and you have unrealistic visions flash through your head of car crashes)

Sometimes we can get so discouraged by our lack of perfection as a parent, or lack of control over situations that we can just sort of start going through the motions and lose our zeal.

We stop even trying to read those devotionals. Life is too busy. We stop spending time outdoors playing ball. Give them an electronic device to entertain them. We stop prioritizing those extra ministry opportunities because well, we're tired after the long week. Instead of always embracing the hands that clings to us, we hide in the bathroom just for a few minutes of alone time.

The kids are clothed and fed, and we become satisfied with the bare minimum.

Don't do it friends!

Stay in the fight. Fight for your family. Fight for your children.  Fight for their souls.

Spend quality time with them, not just simply teaching them, but enjoying them as well.

Take them to church. Read the Bible to them. Do devotionals with them. Say goodnight prayers before bed. Talk about school, friends, church, God, and well, anything at the dinner table. Take those family days. Vacation with them. Make memories doing things you all enjoy.

Life is busy, that is true. And you may not be able to parent 100% the way you envisioned as you started your journey. But don't go through the motions when it comes to your kids. Stay in the fight.

With eyes on the Father, we can overcome whatever obstacles are in the way to use our 18+ years of parenting to the fullest. We're raising the future generations. That deserves, no demands our highest priority. Stay in the fight!

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."-Prov. 22:6