We parked in front of the school, where a group of students he had never met awaited. I walked him to the double doors, resisting the urge to slip my arm around him. I stopped to speak to a staff person to get details on when and where to pick him up. Then I forced myself to walk away, get into my black kia, and drive out of the parking lot without him. My heart was heavy with worry but I refused to let the tears sting the back of my eyes. I had to trust that he'd be fine. This was just another rung on the ladder to manhood. But it felt like the first day of kindergarten all over again. I left my son alone at the gym of a new school where the entire high school football team had gathered for their first practice. He was surrounded by a hundred students, a couple familiar faces, and no friends. And I was home breathing into a paper bag. One of the hardest things for a mom is letting go, and learn to step back and trust God with her children. I always thought … [Read more...]
When You Feel Like A Bad Mom
We've all been there. The house is filthy, we're exhausted from running around all day getting the children to their next activity, and we wonder if all the effort is even worth it. Maybe they continuously argue with their siblings and our attempts to intervene just create more trouble. Maybe they have a sassy mouth or keep arguing with us over every little thing. Maybe they constantly disrupt the classroom at school, or won't do their homework. Maybe we don't prepare breakfast the way they wanted it cooked, don't wash the shirt they planned to wear, don't let them go visit a friend, and they throw a major fit. And we wonder what we're doing wrong. Some days the doubts are relentless. We get so weighed down at times that we even consider giving up. We see other moms who appear to have it all together and wonder if we will ever measure up. We hear the whispers from the enemy that we're a terrible mother. And we begin to believe it, forgetting that the Bible … [Read more...]
Why does God Allow Difficult People in our Lives?
Some people are just so difficult to get along with. There's Negative Nelly, who always complains and expects the worst. She can never seem to be happy about anything. There's Confrontational Collette, who likes to point out every one else's flaws. She loves a good argument and often picks a fight. There's Drama Queen Doreen, who makes a big deal over everything. She always has a problem (which are always bigger than yours) and she must tell you every detail. There's Sensitive Sally, who wears her feelings on her shoulders so you have to tiptoe when you're near her. She wants everyone to get along and is easily offended no matter what you do. There's Lazy Lizzie, who is always too tired or busy to do anything important or helpful. She never lifts a finger unless she has to and she certainly doesn't go above and beyond. Difficult people annoy us and complicate life. They steal our joy and ruin our day. They're like fingernails on a chalkboard, and they're everywhere! … [Read more...]
Reader Comments