I was reading through Pope John Paul II, His Essential Wisdom, Edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi and found this quote:I am not severe--I am sweet by nature--but I defend the rigidity principle. God is stronger than human weakness and deviations. God will always have the last word.
"God will always have the last word." I thought about how hard it is to be a parent sometimes. It was hard when the kids were young to "defend the rigidity principle." Saying "no" and really sticking to it. Not compromising my resolve was not only distressing but oft times painful. Wanting to give in would have been so much easier. What I had to realize, as much as I wanted to be my child's friend, was I was first and foremost the parent.
Now after all these years, my children still love me, and we are friends. It's just a matter of being sure as a parent, we follow the model of Almighty God, and have the last word.
~~~~^j^~~~~
Thanks be to God in His wisdom,
and
to Pope John Paul II for conveying it!
Thanks be to God in His wisdom,
and
to Pope John Paul II for conveying it!
Cathy, this post comes on the heels of a difficult communication that I shared with a sister in Christ. I took a stand on God's word and experienced great defense against it. Praise Jesus that He is the final Word in my life and so ever faithful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's not always easy following the model of Almighty God as a parent though, as you've said, Cathy. Ultimately God will have the last word, but in the meantime He gives us free will, which we have to take into consideration with the children too, in the things that won't bring them harm. And somehow, we have to let them see the consequences for poor choices; again, hopefully helping them learn with decisions that won't bring them to any harm. They need rules and regulations to have a sense of security, but we don't want to break their spirits... No wonder most parents spend a lot of time praying!
ReplyDeleteAselah, if this has been of help to you, I can only say, "Thanks be to God!" He is GOOD!
ReplyDeleteGabrielle, you are sooo right. "...we don't want to break their spirits." I think when they are determined to make those poor choices is when we parents have to stand firm. The free will is a treasure often overlooked. And it is also difficult to nurture. We must keep that dialog open...Keep them talking to us. Silence or no communication with of our children can be most destructive.
Thank you both...
Thank you for visiting my blog, it's nice to meet you too! I hope you have some time to work on your afghan today!
ReplyDelete~Kelli
It is definitely not an easy task to accompany children as they travel the road form childhood to adolescence and adulthood. But as you say, Cathy the most important part is remembering as a parent that God is with us, guiding and supporting every step - even the backward ones - and His wisdom given to us through the Spirit is what gets us through many difficult times - that and usually the reliance of at least a few tried and trusted friends.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Cathy. Sometimes the "rigidity principle" is especially hard when other parents are much more lenient, but I have learned that if we (as parents) take a stand against "peer pressure" on something we know is right for our children and our family, then THAT in and of itself is a great lesson for our children!
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy,
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! It was difficult for me to say 'no' to my children when they were younger. My husband always reminded me to be strong and that I am the boss. What a blessing to have a husband who is both tough and loving. We have seen the fruits. :-)
p.s.
ReplyDeleteCathy, we need your prayers. Please come and visit.
Thanks so much!
Once we get the "parent's union card" it's ours for life. It's not a responsibility one can easily relinquish. Thank you kelli, veritas, bia and easter a.
ReplyDeleteAnd I too, invite you all to visit easter a. A time for us all again to join each other in prayer...for EACH other!!
I recognise this as a mother also. I find it so hard at times to do this. But it is the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
xx
Yes, Suzy, it's the right thing to do. Amen!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, Cathy. God has already written the masterplan and I hope that I am living according to it.
ReplyDelete