Monday, February 14, 2011

Partners in Parenting, Feb. 14, 2011

Sometimes, It's Just Plain Hard!
This past week, was very hard for me and for my family.  On Friday morning, I took our family dog, General, to the vet, and he is no longer with us.  It was so hard to make the call to make the appointment, load him into the truck, drive him to the vet, get out of the truck, go inside, and continue to take the necessary steps that drew him and me closer to his death.  It was soooo hard!  Life can be like that.  Consider the times of difficulty in your own life.  The death of a loved one, a broken relationship, a wounding word or words, financial stress, bad things happening, illness, and many other life circumstances.  Sometimes, it's not an event that is so hard, but it is the accumulation of many events, circumstances, or things that are so hard.  Well, I'm coming to understand that hard doesn't mean impossible.  Parenting is sometimes just plain hard like life.  Hard - yes!  Impossible - no!  What are we parents to do when it gets hard.  I think the best thing we can do is seek God's Word for daily guidance, do the next right and best thing we can, and continue to trust in Him is all things.  Paul has some incredibly encouraging words for us:  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in a ny an devery situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:12, 13

Family Discussion Points! 
What is something hard that your family has been through?
How did you manage that hard time?  Well?  Poorly?
Did you actively seek God's strength during that time or not? 
Talk together about facing the next hard thing in life together with each other and with God in a more intimate manner than before.

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