Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Leaning on His understanding

Lately, I'm reminded of just how impossible it seems to raise my kids well.  No matter what I do, they don't turn out perfect.  They keep on sinning and reminding me of where I fall short as a person, a mother, and a child of God.  Not to say they aren't growing and showing some  improvement, but doggonit if they don't find something else to struggle with as soon as they seem to have overcome a particular issue.  And who am I kidding?  None of us truly overcome anything!
 
I was recently talking with a friend about some struggles her kids were having in school and I was reminded that none of us are exempt from struggles in this life.  But each struggle is a chance for us to teach our children to "consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3)  And of course I need to remind myself of this verse daily, when I'm tempted to complain of the struggles I'm facing.
 
This morning I was working on my Bible study lesson on submission and I was reminded of the old standby: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5)  If I am truly trusting the Lord with my children, I'm going to follow what He says to do, not fall into my own ways of solving problems (which often includes anger and frustration).  If I'm honest with myself, things seldom go well when I lean on my own understanding.  And I'm ok with that.  He's got it covered.