Greetings Prayer Warriors,
There are certain stages in a marriage where the relationship is challenged. One of them is during child-rearing. Even when parents are relatively on the same page, mothers and fathers see things with different eyes. (A blessing). Perspectives differ even more if one parent is at home with the child/children and the other is working. More differences can occur if both parents work outside the home, as the unconscious guilt of absence can lead to permissiveness.
There is no judgment here, just lots of compassion, as parenthood is difficult and very humbling. It reveals weaknesses, insecurities, and past traumas, forcing one to look inward. Reflexively though, it is much easier to blame child-rearing issues/differences on one's spouse, but then it boomerangs back!
Let's keep these marriages covered in prayer!
The Lord journeys with each of you. Stay close to scripture to hear His voice!
Parents:
Apply your heart to instruction, and your ear to words of knowledge. Do not withhold discipline from youths; Proverbs 23:12-13
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Spouses:
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil. All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. [And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
Heavenly Father, children are such a blessing, but so too is the grace of parental challenges as they cause deep, personal growth, especially in humility. May this virtue allow couples to more fully welcome you in their hearts, so that you may be their strength. Help parents with their ability to communicate and share their frustrations with one another. Give them the grace to be mutually supportive and patient and understanding in times of stress. Unite them in the discipline of their children and help them to instruct them in the love of the Lord. May our prayers seed the clouds of grace, so that they may perpetually shower upon marriages, resulting in an unshakeable household blooming with peace, joy, and love. Amen!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Pray twice and pass it on!
