A Reflection

Some days it is easy, this parenting thing.  The kids do exactly what they are told and don't grumble.  They even help without being asked.  They don't fight with each other; and they even do kind things for one another.  Ahhh.

Some days it is tough, this parenting thing.  The kids do exactly the opposite of what they are told and grumble and complain.  They don't help, even when asked.  They fight with each other endlessly and there is not even a kind thought towards the other sibling.  Ugh.

What a reflection my children are in my relationship with God.  Some days (hours, minutes, seconds...) I do exactly what I know God wants, I help others, I am kind and loving and I don't fight God's will.  Other days (hours, minutes, seconds...) I run in the opposite direction.  I fight Him at every turn and there are no kind thoughts in my head.

Just today, during lunch, we had quite the confrontation with one of the kids.  The problem stemmed from having to eat something that was not wanted (at a restaurant).  The bad attitude started as lunch was being ordered.  There was going to be no happiness about the food, no matter what.  It was asked that this child try something with an open mind - not assuming it would be yucky.  No such luck.  There were tears, there was anger and there was a trip out to the van for discussion, prayer and time for attitude adjustment. 

There were lots of difficult parenting moments in this time.  Wondering (praying) what words I could use to help convey the message that we are to be grateful in all circumstances.  Wondering if a lecture on how some kids, even kids in this child's school, don't have enough food to eat and don't get to go to a restaurant.  Wondering if I should mention that this child's stubbornness stems from a Mom with the same character flaw (sin nature). 

It is in these times of struggle with my children that I see most clearly how I tend to fight God.  They are a reflection of me.  Am I modeling gratefulness in all circumstances?  Am I letting go of my selfishness and stubbornness and allowing God to direct me towards new things and circumstances?  Am I doing it all without grumbling and crying and getting angry?  Ouch.

The end of today's story?  Said child made it back into the restaurant and ate the meal.  At first it was with quite the sullen attitude.  Then there was a discovery that if 2 foods were combined they were delicious.  We are pretty sure it just needed to be done "my way" in order to be accepted (and save-face).  This is not exactly the heart-changing attitude we were hoping for, but it did make for a peaceful rest of the meal - and a clean plate. 

The good news is that we aren't finished molding and shaping our child(ren) and working to teach them to have a grateful heart.  The even better news is that neither is God.  For both of these things, I am truly grateful.