But don't jump ship! Don't let your feelings and emotions get the best of you.
As you know, today is Good Friday. Good Friday signifies an end of what was of the world with the hope of sending His Son, Jesus Christ, who walked the earth and then was crucified on the cross for our sins so that we might be saved.
I can only imagine what God saw when the world He created was in turmoil. What He created as beauty turned to ashes. Yet, God is God, and He made a way for good to shine through the bad.
Good Friday signifies an end to making way for new beginnings. a newfound hope.
You see, parenthood mirrors this cycle; you lose what was familiar to you, yet excited for the birth of something new.
Kids change you, and they change your reality.
Just as God's sending of His Son transformed the world, raising children transforms parents. How can we harness the frustrations that accompany change and the unknown adventure ahead, and put the emphasis on what is good and holy?
You gotta focus on what is good and holy.
The K.I.S.S. ~ Focus on what is good and holy!
That's hard to do. You work hard, have long days, and then are expected to come home and raise your kids with smiles on your faces.
As my grandson says to me, "I've had a hard day!" This is echoed with a long sigh. Where do you think he hears that? His dad and mom.
It's imperative that we raise our kids with grace, not only for them but for ourselves. And being realistic in what we can do, and know we are doing it to the best of our ability.
Focus on what is good and holy. How can you be the mama or dada who holds their child close with their heart in mind?
1. Practice Patience: In moments of frustration, choose patience. Understand that change takes time and that growth often comes from navigating challenges with resilience. Allow yourself grace in the process, recognizing that transformation is gradual.
2. Cultivate Gratitude: Amidst the chaos of parenting, pause to count your blessings. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering a mindset of abundance. By appreciating the small moments of joy, you magnify the beauty of life's journey. Don't always look at the ashes; see the beauty in the ashes.
3. Seek Support: Parenthood is a shared experience. Reach out to fellow parents, mentors, or faith communities for guidance and comfort. Building a support network equips you with the tools to navigate the complexities of raising children while fostering a sense of community.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
"Life is beautiful. Life is hard. Life is manageable when you see the blessings in the messes." - Kristianne Wargo
God gave that to us.
As we journey through the ebb and flow of life, let us not view frustration as an obstacle but as an opportunity for growth. By embracing change with patience, gratitude, and support, you become a living legacy that transcends generations. Just as Good Friday heralded a new dawn, let us approach parenthood with a sense of purpose, knowing that our actions today shape the future for our children tomorrow.