Nothing is more frustrating for parents than when adult children make decisions contrary to how they were raised. Frustration, guilt, and hopelessness in the situation can often overtake the mind. We continually hit the “rewind” button in our brain to try to make sense of the situation, even though that seldom provides the answers we so desperately seek. Our biggest challenge is letting go of our desire to control the situation and trusting that God, seeing the whole picture, will hear our pleas, honor the good seeds we planted, and allow them to bear fruit in His time.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Perhaps such situations are not just for our children’s personal growth, but for our personal growth in both faith and love. Do we not spend more time in prayer during such crises? Do we not then begin to make sacrifices before the Lord? In prayer we learn we have to continue to love our children as he has loved us through our own diversions and excursions from truly living out our Christian faith.
Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervor sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you. Psalm 51: 12-13
Living out your Christian faith may be the strongest words your children need to hear. Never lose hope, always have faith, depend on His love.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Renew hope, build faith, share His love. Forward to a friend.
