Parenting Woes

Here I am again feeling the weight of the world.

And so did my child. With tears streaming down her face and a shaky voice she muttered, “Mom, I don’t want to play violin anymore…”

I inquired with questions and she said further explained that she has to do so much. Everyday she is expected to go … (She was beginning to confuse our weekly lessons plus daily practice, or expectation of, as a weight too crushing). She kept saying sorry…I told her she didn’t have to apologize. I asked if perhaps changing our Friday lesson to another day would help her? She agreed.

Aw, children.

Aww, parenting.

Ahhh, P A R E N T I N G! It is a weight I could not have fathomed before I was pregnant and tasked with life nurturing. I was a bit naive having a child or two but it seems the more you add on the more hearts you’re nurturing and bodies you are responsible for, the achier your heart aches.

So, how am I handling my parenting woes? Or…how about if they’re not just the lows and woes of parenting? I make sure I check my heart and mind.

I take breaks. I journal and walk. I drink lots of water and call a friend or write a few friends. I get out a couple of nights to look up at the starry sky or drink a warm tea or decaf coffee. I go to prayer, meditation, and the Bible as my #1…

After a few obstacles and dips and trips in this life, one can sure feel “done” but my prayer for me and for you is that we would get up and show up each day. The world isn’t an easy place. The challenges we face day to day and add to that: what we see on social media or is going on in the world… much pain, suffering, etc… We are, for those who believe on the name of Jesus for salvation, be strong in the Lord. Do not fear. Put on the armor… be fitted, dressed up, ready for the day! The book of Ephesians in chapter 6 says to have the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, shoes of gospel of peace, shield of faith and…the offensive weapon that we need to know … sword of spirit which is the word of God. …I imagine this modern attire to be like bullet proofing, mental health care, self-care, boundaries, and other care that tends to the soul, mind and strength in God. We are to get on that belt: keep on your pants! On on the sanity and filtering thing thru the mind of Christ in truth and love… next breastplate is like bulletproof vest…don’t sink into unrighteousness but do things out of a righteousness. Love, serve, and give out of Christ’s righteousness. Bullets and arrows will fly…the words so and so said, the thoughts of defeat and utter doom coming for your heart, etc: the vest will protect your heart! Then the helmet of salvation…keep the mind tip top…you’re saved! What does it mean? You didn’t do the work yet you’re going to be with the Father one day. Salvation means that you are saved by grace through faith–don’t boast…be humble…and keep remembering how great the gift of salvation is…don’t be clunked on the head (…too much…) about the worries and weights of life. Also the shoes… top of the line athletics: feel the cushion and springiness of gospel of peace… oh how we can love others, hate the sinner and not the sinner…along with having the face of Christ shine upon us as we learn more of God’s word, love God with all our hearts and love others as we love ourselves. Onward, we have the shield of faith… we have hope, faith, love…the trio. We need to shield with faith. We do things that move us toward God and eternity and lastly, sword of the spirit which is the word of God: know your Bible. Psalm 119:11 says “I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.” So, you put God’s word in his heart and Holy Spirit will counsel and teach.

In conclusion, the world is going to beat you up. The things of life are beautiful and ugly all in one… and in order to withstand the trials and troubles, you will want to remember the passage from Ephesians 6.

The Whole Armor of God

¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we^[d] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.^[e] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.^[f] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Go forth. Be strong in God… see him at work and have your dealings with him.

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