Strength in Weakness

I consider strength that comes from God, and I know what I should do. I wrote about it yesterday.

But, knowing it and doing it are two entirely different things.

I tell my kids to clean their bedrooms. They know what I mean... but do they do it? Not always. Instead, they shove everything into the closet, slam the door shut, prop a chair under the knob to keep the doors from exploding open, and call it done.

I'm no different. I know that as a mom my job is to raise my children to be loving, kind, forgiving, patient, and... well, the list goes on and on. I know that I should model the characteristics I want them to develop... but do I do it? Not always. Sometimes, I get mad.

Instead of training them in the way they should go, I scream about where they went wrong. Instead of patience, I demand action. Oh - I hope you get the idea and I'm not the only one who blows it now and then.

So, how can I be strong in God when I am so busy blowing it all the time?

I think that admitting my weakness as a parent to God, emptying myself of myself, I make room for God to fill the space. Until I admit that I don't have all the answers, that I can't do it by myself, I won't make room for God to work.

I don't know if my weakness in parenting is a spiritual battle or just my own stubborn will, but I do know I am not strong enough to parent God's way on my own. I need to get out of the way, and let God be God. I need to accept that His grace will cover me when I mess up, as long as I keep asking Him for help.

How comforting. In my weakness, He is strongest.

Dear God, Thank you for helping me be the best mom I can be. Help me remember, always, to trust You. Help me remember Ellie's prayer today, "Thank you for giving me my family." Let my life point my kids to You. And forgive me when I blow it. Amen