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Why Tragedy Makes us so Quick to Criticize Parents
WHY are we so quick to criticize parents in the wake of tragedy? What is it about alligators, gorillas and car seats that turn rational, compassionate people into cruel, armchair parenting quarterbacks moments after tragedy strikes? When I hear about a child’s death, I immediately imagine the pain of losing my sweet girl. Even in the middle of the night, I’ll go scoop her up, kiss her face, smell her hair, knowing it is only by the grace of God my girl is healthy and alive. It certainly isn’t due to perfect parenting. I fail daily. So why are people so quick to criticize parents? Because we’re afraid. In the…
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Go with the flow: My best tips for losing Control
Are you a bit of a control freak? Do you like to control every.single.thing? I am. Well, I was until I began losing control and life’s so much better. I’m in a control recovery program. It’s called Jesus. I’m learning that a lot of my control issues were really a type of temper tantrum about not wanting to trust God for my future. Go with the flow would never have been used to describe my personality. NEVER. I still need five minutes for deep breaths after a surprise change of plans. I’m learning to embrace changes, but I’ve had a lifetime of practice with my control habit. (Heaven not…
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Growing Pains
Growing pains are a part of growing up, but we have to trust that what is coming is better than what we have. Yesterday, my sweet little girl had her third very wiggly tooth. It was so wiggly that it moved when she talked and poked between her lips when she kissed me. Beyond wiggly. But when Daddy grabbed his forceps to help it along, our joyful little girl turned into a puddle of tears. This is loose tooth number three. She “knows” it only hurts for a second. She feels so much better when it is out, but couldn’t get over her fear of the pain. Holy smokes. The…
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Divorce him for the Dishes by the Sink?
Divorce? He leaves dishes by the sink occasionally. Sometimes, he doesn’t pick up his dirty underwear and believes dusting is a waste of time. He rolls his eyes when I disinfect the kitchen. He gives it a lick and a polish when I would use bleach and a flamethrower. And my personal pet peeve – If I give him a ‘to do’ list, my husband will find the one thing he’s been meaning to do that is NOT on my list, and do that. These things can drive me crazy or hurt my feelings. Sometimes, I feel disrespected and ignored . . . but divorce him? Not even kind of.…
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Bloom in Any Season
Last Sunday, I held this beautiful rose in my hand as it bloomed defiantly in November. I heard God’s quiet whisper, “Even this rose can bloom in any season.” What wonderful encouragement! I have been truly relying on God during this difficult season in the Army, tired but coping. And isn’t that when the bottom falls out? the minute we think we have it all together? the minute we try to do it ourselves . . . God was encouraging me after the month we’ve had. My husband has been gone 18 hour days, 6-7 days a week, most Army related but some hunting, and selfishly, I get tired of…
