It has been my experience that, in times when we as parents are faced with the dilemma of how far to push our children, that we err on the side of compassion rather than forcing them beyond their limits. That isn't the same as being soft on them. There is a time to make them do hard things. But in the end, he will remember that you heard him and had compassion on him...which sounds a lot like what God does for us.
I definitely feel inadequate and like I'm messing up a lot as a parent. There have been countless times that I have been encouraged and loved on by other mothers. But one stands out for me, as it was one of the most difficult days for Sean and I. When G was younger he was struggling to go to his 4th surgery for his foot. We were feeling so helpless and out of control. Not being able to " make him go" wanting to force him, but knowing how strong and brave he was and has been not wanting to break his spirit. We reached out in desperation early in the morning to someone we admire and with more experience than us. I will never forget what she said. All situations are different, but choosing between tough love and grace, your will never regret choosing grace. It may be the hardest thing to do in the moment, but it will have a life long impact.
My husband actually found the original text:
It has been my experience that, in times when we as parents are faced with the dilemma of how far to push our children, that we err on the side of compassion rather than forcing them beyond their limits. That isn't the same as being soft on them. There is a time to make them do hard things. But in the end, he will remember that you heard him and had compassion on him...which sounds a lot like what God does for us.
I definitely feel inadequate and like I'm messing up a lot as a parent. There have been countless times that I have been encouraged and loved on by other mothers. But one stands out for me, as it was one of the most difficult days for Sean and I. When G was younger he was struggling to go to his 4th surgery for his foot. We were feeling so helpless and out of control. Not being able to " make him go" wanting to force him, but knowing how strong and brave he was and has been not wanting to break his spirit. We reached out in desperation early in the morning to someone we admire and with more experience than us. I will never forget what she said. All situations are different, but choosing between tough love and grace, your will never regret choosing grace. It may be the hardest thing to do in the moment, but it will have a life long impact.
The situations are different but they stick with us one way or another, don't they?
They do! And it all helps us grow, the good the bad and the ugly. I will never get over that our Jesus loves us so unconditionally.
And puts amazing people in our lives to help us get through it
Love this- really grateful for you & Carrie!
Your family is a joy to us.