One cannot be a counselor to one's own children. Our job is to love them unconditionally and get angry conditionally.
I find comfort in the psalms than some of the usual prayers these days, they help me to let go, and still pray. "Show me the path I should walk' is what I have repeatedly asked for these past ten years and more.
The anger builds and ebbs and churns and then empties and it wavers with the children's moods.
Lord, hear my prayer; in your faithfulness listen to my pleading; answer me in your justice.
Do not enter into judgment with your servant; before you no living being can be just.
The enemy has pursued me; they have crushed my life to the ground.
They have left me in darkness like those long dead.
My spirit is faint within me; my heart is dismayed.
I remember the days of old; I ponder all your deeds; the works of your hands I recall.
I stretch out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.
Hasten to answer me, Lord; for my spirit fails me.
Do not hide your face from me, lest I become like those descending to the pit.
At dawn let me hear of your kindness, for in you I trust.
Show me the path I should walk, for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me, Lord, from my foes, for in you I hope.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
May your kind spirit guide me on ground that is level.
For your name's sake, Lord, give me life; in your justice lead me out of distress.
In your kindness put an end to my foes; destroy all who attack me, for I am your servant.- Psalm 143
'Our job is to love them unconditionally and get angry conditionally.'
ReplyDeleteI loved that. You just described what being a parent is about so beautifully and succinctly.
Greetings from London.
I know that feeling...if God is always testing us when do we graduate....☺ And the feelings - I've learned my kid's moods up and flow with mine. If I'm okay...they seem to be okay. It's weird how we affect each other. Your prayer made me sad in some ways b/c I hear you cry...and if I hear it...I know God hears it. Stay strong okay...One day at a time.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to adoring & using the Psalms as my own prayers to God.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your words today about us not being able to be a counselor to our own children and our need to love them unconditionally. I needed to think on that today - thanks.