Patient Parenting
By Meg Bucher
“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” - 1 Peter 5:2-3 NLT
Grudgingly described my slumped over shoulders, sullen expression, and inner frustration. There are not eyeballs big enough to roll at a teenager’s stubbornness. Nor is there a large enough supply of patience in human existence able to deep breathe through an irrational afternoon with one. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” But it doesn’t come with a guide on what to do when they argue with us about the way we are directing them. We know we are supposed to lead by example but become easily frustrated when they don’t follow.
Parenting is a life-time gig. One most of us are thrilled to embark on …until we’re not. Everyday does not scroll along like a perfectly filtered social media story. In the slumped over the counter and deep breathing moments, God has a supernatural supply of patience and grace to strengthen us. Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on our own bountiful mercy to parent our children.
Watch over them willingly, today’s verse says. Jesus said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for it’s own.” (Matthew 6:34 NLT) Each child is created by God with a specific purpose. Sometimes, it helps to detach ourselves from taking the credit for who, and Whose they are. Jesus said,
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full- pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38 NLT)
When the slumped over the counter conversations have us churning inside, we can default to simple obedience to God. It helps to detach from the emotional offense teens so easily sling in our direction, and remember we are the adults. A great friend of mine told me, “don’t get on the roller coaster with them.” But …it’s …so …hard. Please don’t feel like a failed parent when the ride photos show the evidence of our very human breaking points. Remain eager to serve the Lord willingly, wherever He has us …even in frustrating parenting moments.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Put the following verses into practice in everyday live. Write each one on a notecard, and rotate through them each day. Insert personal pronouns and names into the verses, and trust the Lord to be there in every situation, everyday, with the wisdom we need to get through each one.
Proverbs 14:29: People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.
Romans 12:12: Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
1 Corinthians 13:4: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.
Galatians 6:9: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Ephesians 4:2: Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
1 Thessalonians 5:14b: Be patient with everyone.
Colossians 3:12: Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
1 Timothy 1:16: But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
Prayer
Father, Your mercies are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. Help us to parent with patience. Let these rich and encouraging truths equip us to serve the flock You have entrusted to us with patience and care.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Further Reading
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages
Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ at megbucher.com. She is the author of “Friends with Everyone, Friendship within the Love of Christ,” “Surface, Unlocking the Gift of Sensitivity,” “Glory Up, The Everyday Pursuit of Praise,” “Home, Finding Our Identity in Christ,” and "Sent, Faith in Motion." Meg earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay home and raise her two daughters …which led her to pursue her writing passion. A contributing writer for Salem Web Network since 2016, Meg is now thrilled to be a part of the editorial team at Salem Web Network. Meg loves being involved in her community and local church, leads Bible study, and serves as a youth leader for teen girls.
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