Scripture declares that to everything there is a season . . .
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 & 4, KJV)
And so it is with parenting.
One thing I promised to never do was to put on airs regarding this website. I believe this is so important that I wrote a post about that here.
My goal is to be as transparent as possible, within reasonable limits. And while I attest that family-life is amazing – and happens to be the chief vehicle through which God speaks and ministers to me – it’s not always a bed of roses.
Actually, I stand corrected…
Family-life is most like a bed of roses – because as delicate, beautiful and fragrant as it may be, it is riddled with thorns, and is at times, very painful.
***
In the same way that God has ordained the seasons to change, the seasons of family-life ebb and flow as well.
The mild temperatures of spring eventually morph into a scorching mid summer’s heat, which is uncomfortable, unbearable and sometimes even deadly.
The crisp fall air gives way to winter’s chill, which at times may bring what seems to be an intolerable and painful frost.
No matter how much we want to hold onto the comfort of a particular season – delighting in its moderate temperatures and the pleasure it brings – God has ordained them to change.
The good comes with the bad.
“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10, NIV)
Recently, my parenting journey has been thorny. I’ve been experiencing my own kind of intolerable temperatures and painful frosts.
Some of my kids are facing really tough and potentially life alternating situations, which in turn, is wreaking havoc in our home – and in this mamma’s heart. (Ah . . . the frost and the thorns!)
But thanks be to God!
For I am keenly aware that Father God is not allowing me to experience this trial so that I can shrink back as a parent or go down in flames.
Thankfully, this trial is . . .
Causing me to draw nearer to the Lord, as I lean on Him in my brokenness.
Intensifying my prayer life, as I call upon Him for strength.
Causing me to delve deeper into His Word, as I seek solace and counsel in what has been written.
A dear sister in Christ recently offered me some wonderful words of encouragement to help me weather my current storm.
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.” (Proverbs 25:11)
If you happen to be experiencing your own thorny season, I pray her words will be a source of encouragement for you as well . . .
♥ Don’t let the storm distract you from the One who calms the storm.
♥ God sees all, knows all, and is already at work in the midst of your storm, and is carrying you through it.
♥ He has not left you. He is not angry with you . . . He cares. He is watching and He is directing. He is sovereign. He reigns! He is at work this very moment . . . He is interceding on your behalf.
♥ May God grant you peace in the midst of this trial, increase your faith and sustain you by His grace.
♥ Let go of your expectations, your wants, your desires – be still and know that He is God.
♥ Cast all of your burdens on Him because He cares for you.
The more I spend time in God’s word, the more I’m convinced that God is at work directing the affairs of my life as a wife and a mom. I realize that He is at work behind the scenes “working all things together for my good…”
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
Be encouraged, Dear Heart!
xoxo,
Tiffiney
Chime in: What has helped you to weather the storms of life as a parent? Leave a comment below to share. I’d love to hear from you.
I’ve shared this post at these fabulous faith and family link-ups.
Definitely a bed of roses, Tiffiney! Beautiful, fragrant and thorny! Yep! And I’m so thankful for every crazy minute even the painful ones. Bless you!
Deb…Of course you are thankful for even the painful moments. That’s why I follow you, my friend! You have such wisdom and perspective which I learn from. Blessings to you, my friend!
I’ve been through those storms with child-raising too, Tiffiney. Never easy! But yes, God is so faithful even in those seasons. “I am keenly aware that Father God is not allowing me to experience this trial so that I can shrink back as a parent or go down in flames.” Amen!
Hi Lisa, Yes, it seems that parenting storms touch every families’ life. Thank you for stopping by. Please come again soon.
Amen! Such honest and wise words:) Thank you for reminding us great perspective in the midst of the struggle.
Hi Gretchen! Thank you for stopping by. It’s a pleasure having you.
Great post, Tiffany! Yep, parenting is exactly like a bed of roses. What a true analogy!
I cling to God’s promise of using everything to grow my child and me as a Christian parent/woman! Standing firm in that is what has gotten me through. Sharing your post:)
Visiting from #Salt&Light
Hey Julie! Thank you for stopping by. I love the salt and light community! And thank you for sharing!
Storms in parenting have been the hardest storms I’ve ever faced. The hardest thing I’ve ever done is give my children back to God because they’ve always belonged to Him anyway.
Well said, Michelle. Such an interesting and Christ-like perspective on parenting. I didn’t always realize that. And even now that I do, it’s still hard…but so necessary. Thanks for the reminder, and thanks for stopping by!
It’s amazing, my pastor happened to talk about taking our eyes off the storm to focus on the One who calms it this past Sunday. I’m sorry your family is going through some struggles right now, and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Hey Laura, I so appreciate your prayers during this season. And great advice from your pastor. I think I’ll take it!:-)
Tiffiney, yes, this post resonates. We are in a thorny season with one of our boys. Your words and the scriptures shared are definitely encouraging. We always, always have to come to God, especially when we are pricked by a thorn, yes? I so enjoyed your post today!
I’m your neighbor at Holley Gerth’s place today. Nice to “meet” you!
Hey Jeanne, come to think of it, I’m certain God uses the “pricking” to draw us closer to himself. We should really thank Him for our trials, because through them, He is making us more like Him Good “meeting” you, too! Please stop by again. 🙂
Thanks, Tiffiney, for sharing at Messy Marriage link up. We are currently in the young days with our children. Our two girls are only 3 years old and 7 months old. But I often feel like we are in a storm right now 😉 The hectic schedules of a little one, the needs of a 3 year old. Trying to figure out how to even talk to my husband at dinner with the two girls making so much noise. There are moments I just get to breathe and say a prayer. And with that I try hard not to wish time away. I know as they get older the storms could get even more crazy though!
Hi Cassie! You know, that storm always seems to be looming in the distance – ready to hang over our heads in a moment, no matter what stage of parenting we are in. But no matter what is happening in our lives as parents, the Lord wants us to know that our joy is not conditional upon our circumstances, it’s conditional upon our relationship with Him. He is always there with us through those trying times.
What challenging years you are in as a mom. The early years are very labor intensive. Keep up the good work and maintain your perspective. I know everyone says this, but time really does fly by, and one day you’ll look back and wonder where the time has gone. :-). Thanks for stopping by!
Prayers for wisdom have brought me through several storms. When I pray and beg for the wisdom I need, God always comes through to help me be the wisest mom I can be.
Prayers for wisdom…now there’s something I can sink my spiritual teeth into. Thanks so much for sharing, Helene! That’s an on time reminder.
Yes! I agree wholeheartedly, Tiffiney, especially about making time for God so that I can learn to trust Him more in the storms of life. Thanks for inspiring us to trust Him more, my friend! And I hope that you sense God’s guidance in this difficult season of life– serving to draw your family closer together.
Hi Beth! I am so thankful that I am able to understand that God is at work in the difficult areas of my family’s life. This is not always something that I understood. This realization is helping me to learn to let go of what I can not control and to trust Him. Thank you for stopping by, my friend! See ya on Wednesday for your link-up!
Thanks for this encouragement Tiffany. Love the advice to not let the storm distract us from the One who calms the storm!
Hi Crystal! Yes, I so agree. That definitely is front and foremost. Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed day.