April is the one year anniversary of the Port Orange Counseling Prayer Circle and Bullets & Butterflies. Bullets & Butterflies is re-posting a few of the posts from 2009, over the next few weeks, to commemorate that anniversary.
Tristan
Although there are many trial marriages... there is no such thing as a trial child. ~Gail Sheehy
As a parent I make mistakes all the time. Raising children is so hard.
At work and other places, when people tell me they hate Church I’ve noticed a phenomenon. Just five minutes into the conversation and about 90% percent start to rant about their parents or someone else who helped raise them.
I’ll politely interrupt and say, “Wait, you started by telling me why you’re mad at God, now you’re talking about your parents ... ”
Often they don’t notice the switch from one to the other. Their concepts of God-the-Father and their parents are completely enmeshed.
The other day I went into my youngest child’s room while he was asleep to pray for him. It’s nearly impossible to pray for my boys when they’re awake. They are usually bouncing off the walls, or the furniture, or our dogs ... literally.
Tristan is such a beautiful boy. His name is Tristan Elliott, which loosely translated means “Turbulent-Servant-of-God.” What kind of man will he be? How will his life, his spiritual life, be different because of me? These are questions I ask myself, about both of my boys, all the time.
Tristan, if you read this someday, I love you so much. Forgive me for my imperfections. You are such a precious child.
At work and other places, when people tell me they hate Church I’ve noticed a phenomenon. Just five minutes into the conversation and about 90% percent start to rant about their parents or someone else who helped raise them.
I’ll politely interrupt and say, “Wait, you started by telling me why you’re mad at God, now you’re talking about your parents ... ”
Often they don’t notice the switch from one to the other. Their concepts of God-the-Father and their parents are completely enmeshed.
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The other day I went into my youngest child’s room while he was asleep to pray for him. It’s nearly impossible to pray for my boys when they’re awake. They are usually bouncing off the walls, or the furniture, or our dogs ... literally.
Tristan is such a beautiful boy. His name is Tristan Elliott, which loosely translated means “Turbulent-Servant-of-God.” What kind of man will he be? How will his life, his spiritual life, be different because of me? These are questions I ask myself, about both of my boys, all the time.
Tristan, if you read this someday, I love you so much. Forgive me for my imperfections. You are such a precious child.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).Parents are imperfect. But, Jesus loves you perfectly. If you are looking for peace and rest, ask Jesus into your heart. He is unique and complete. He picks up the slack where parents fall short. He loves YOU so much, He gave everything for you … Amazing …
Here is a link to a post that mentions my son Lucas Think Jesus. And, still another post about the time Tristan punched Lucas' tooth out ... on request, If I Listen.
... Father, Thank you for children. Remind us that we have a great responsibility to love them, be patient with them, to teach them how to forgive. Guide us. In Jesus name we pray ...
Indeed, it is an important mission to raise and educate kids. And the best thing is, you will ever love them and they will ever love you, even when things went wrong...
ReplyDeleteHey Russell, Awesome 1 Year Already. Time Flies When Ur Havin Fun. Love Ya. I'm Outta Here 4/26 Bound f0r P.R. & NY 5/5. Hope To See u Guys.
ReplyDeletei don't think that many of us are the parents that we would like to see ourself as being. i am not sure that we can attain it. i love your thoughts here. it is amazing how much reminding i need for all the things i should be every day.
ReplyDeletei like the photo of the boys. great expressions.
Thera, Harvey, nAncy ... Three special people ... Thanks ... :-)
ReplyDeleteDear God, we're so thoroughly inadequate for the stewardship of these precious little ones. Please help us be faithful to this calling. Please keep them in Your care. Amen.
ReplyDelete