You will mess up

There comes a time in every parent's life when they mess up. (Now if you don't think you ever mess up, might I suggest you read my blog from 7/27 about being honest) I imagine most of us try really hard to be a good parent, but we are sinners too. We get overtired or overwhelmed, we get selfish, we get needy, we lose our temper. It is important to realize that God has already factored in your humanness. He does call us to do our best and if we are following the perfect will of God these sinful moments will be far fewer, but they will happen.

So there you are; you have wronged your child in some way. (Broken a promise of quality time, snapped at them in an ungracious way, ignored them, put your wants above their needs) Now what? You are their role model. Are they damaged for life? Have you managed to emotionally scar them so that you are what they blame all their future failings on? No. God causes all things for work together for good. He will mold your child into who He wants them to become.

Now that doesn't mean you are not responsible for your actions or lack there of. Use these opportunities to model repentance. Tell them what you believe you did wrong, ask them to forgive you and ask God to forgive you in their presence. It is important for them to see the healing power of God and the grace of forgiveness in action.

However, if you are trapped in a destructive pattern and are messing up the same way over and over, it may be time to get someone involved that can help you figure it out. The church is a good source for this. Many people on staff can work through issues with you. You can cause emotional and psychological damage to your child if you live trapped in a repetitive pattern of sin.

God is ultimately in control and loves you and your children more than even you do. He has their path already laid out and will help you raise them, sin and all.

Seek God, do your best, get help when you need it, and let go of your failures.
Bless you all
Brenda