You love your child a bunch, more than you can put into words. You know there’s a big age and maturity difference between you. You even “get” why he does or says some things. So why is it that we react critically, or even meanly, sometimes, yet other times we don’t?
The short answer is: the condition of our heart. The medium answer is: a lot happens in a day, our heart records all of it, and some recordings need to be edited out. Here’s my longer answer to explain.
One day can hold sweet moments like a hug, a thoughtful text, an unexpected ‘Thanks, Mom’, an adorably mischievous grin, laughter, or obedience. That same day might include a rude remark, a disrespectful tone, an ungrateful attitude, a mean face, or a disappointing decision.
Hours, then days pass in a blur. We live forward, our mind focused to what’s next. More positive and negative experiences occur. Some we deal with and others we don’t. We teach, correct, and forgive our child. We’re prayerful, trying to depend on God for help and guidance. And then we lose it.
The ugly comes out. Why?
Our heart hurts. First, we are women. We have feelings and our feelings get hurt. Being a mom is a major role in our life. However, if we see our self solely as a mom with responsibilities, we might unintentionally neglect our self as a person with a heart.
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 30.17a)
Our kids don’t plan to hurt or disappoint us. They try to practice what we’ve taught; sometimes they hit the mark and other times they don’t – just like us.
You may have forgiven your child, but have you unloaded your feelings and experience to God and then invited him to heal your heart? When God heals, he restores and builds our heart stronger.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23.1-3)
Holy God, You alone know all that my heart has recorded. Please show me what I need to unload to you. Thank you for your healing love. Amen.
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