My love for books is well known. However, books haven’t always come through for me. They haven’t always given me the answers I’m looking for.
In my house, there is a particular shelf of books that have failed me utterly.
I’m honored to be writing over at Lisa-Jo’s place today. Won’t you join me there for the rest of the story?
What a lovely post! I have been reading Oswald Chambers. He says, just as you stated, that being with Him should be our one and only goal. Through everything – highs and lows – we need to stay close by His side. He shelters us in the palm of His hand.
As a Grandma I have been where you are – calmness, loving and caring – those are the words that carry us through. If we get embroiled in a child’s emotions it only carries us down the same path. Step back and ask for the calmness of He who calms the sea.
love and blessings,
Jan
Such wise words! Thank you, Jan.
Thanks you so much for this lovely post. I really enjoyed reading it.
Infact, I was so touched by the thoughts that I read this to my daugher over the phone. She along with my other two daughters have daughters just like this. They are all very self willed and difficult. They are all age 7 right now.
I had tears come to my eyes as I was reading this.
Only Christ can heal and his help is needed so much when raising children.
I had a son who gave me a run of my money and now he has two sons just like him.
Just thank you again for your thoughts today.
Blessings to you and keep on enjoying the moments!
Drop by my blog sometime @ Living Waters – http://lgwilliams.blogspot.com/
Thank you, LeAnn!
oh Christie, I didn’t know things were that hard. maybe that is why I like you so–Brice is also that child. so unhappy and explosive. tantrums would go on for hours. i remember crying myself to sleep, knowing I had to get up and do it all over. i dreaded sending him anywhere. it is getting better, but i think both of us are still healing. we actually decided not to have a third because of all the struggles with him. i just couldn’t risk having another child like him (though I do love him so, and feel particularly bonded with him maybe b/c of all the struggles). i used to look at other women and yearn for the peace they seemed to have with their children. but maybe those temperments produce greatness? i think so.
I was looking at my bookshelf the other day: your explosive child; the defiant child; the strong-willed child (worthless imho); the spirited child. it’s nice to know you’re not alone–that’s what I got from those books. how do people raise kids like ours without God and good husbands?
Danielle, I know it sounds cliched, but I hope you know how much I mean this: I feel your pain! Because it is so, so painful. Still, I agree with you completely: there is greatness in these difficult temperments (by the way, the strong-willed child book just made me depressed, convincing me the teenage years would be even worse, which I now do not think is necessarily true). Praying for you and your beautiful boy!
How I remember all you wrote in your post. It is so true that dreams come true are not always dreamy. I have worked myself up quite a bit throughout these last 10 months with Lydia, apologizing for her screaming and fussiness in advance, quickly explaining away her development delays, and generally feeling like I can’t catch a break with her and all of her challenges – temperament, development, high sensitivity . . . Thoroughly worn out, and wanting so much to lie down and sleep next to our Lord. I think it takes such faith to cease, because I really do think I am the one who best cares for my kids and am the only one who can calm Lydia – won’t the storm get worse without me? Thanks for your post. I think I will go and take a nap now.
Yes, Jessica, I’d say you’ve more than earned a nap! I’m praying for you and yours.