Winning the War, Losing Some Battles | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Winning the War, Losing Some Battles | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bob Truesdale
02/21/08
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

My daughter just turned seventeen. She's been a great kid, straight A's, youth group, the whole

nine yards. Lately we've been having a little trouble with the mouth and attitide. I grew up in a very strict

home. Every offense was punished and sometimes harshly. Now that I'm a dad, I try and remember the

good things my folks did and chuck the bad. It's hard to remember that when you're tired, stressed

out, and speaking to your kids about the same issue, over and over. My wife continually reminds me to

pick my battles wisely but that's a hard thing to do when you're parenting 'in the moment'. Sometimes I

have to step back and ask myself if I'm looking to help my kids grow or just win the current argument. It's

ultimately not about winning, but earning respect. One thing I try and remember is that my parents never

apologized when they were overbearing or just plain wrong. So when I blow it with my kids, I go back later

and say, "I'm sorry I came down on you so hard." It really goes a long way. While raising children, its really

been helpful to be mindful of the verse,"Do you not know it is the kindness of God that leads you to

repentance?" That has humbled me more times than I care to remember.

One day I'll stand before God and give an account of my time on earth. Parenting is a ministry I'm

sure He holds very near and dear. I don't want to blame my parents for being too harsh or society for

being too easy. It's a daily battle and can only be done right with much prayer, humility and reverence. I

don't always get it right but at least I'm continually focusing on winning the war, even while I'm losing some

battles!

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.