Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 20

Thank You God, for reminding me that there were many times in the Bible where You wanted to kill Your own children. The reason was they they were being morons, but the fact still remains: Sometimes children are moronic and stir up wrath. Lord I need this reminder as we’re dealing with Mia lately. Her absolute refusal to play soccer has been a huge source of disappointment, anger and angst in our household.. mostly between Meagan and I. It’s so difficult for us to know what to do. It just seems that she’s content with blatantly disobeying us, and we’re not sure what to do to be “good parents.” I’m having a very difficult time not being bitter and resentful to Mia. Lord, I know she’s a sinner just like I am, but I’m having such a hard time having mercy on her. One of the main reasons it’s so difficult is because I don’t sense a humble spirit it in her at all. She’s proud of the fact that she doesn’t care that she can’t watch tv or only have one desert a day. I’m at my wit’s end because I don’t even know what punishment will work with her. In fact, I feel like like most of our punishments do little with her, but rather make her upset she got caught more than anything. So needless to say, i’m frustrated.

And on top of that (or maybe because of this), I’m not reading Your word or speaking to You. I feel cut off from You and I’m disappointingly aware of the fact that it’s my fault. I’ve neglected You and wonder why I feel neglected by You.

Lord, I pray You will give me a supernatural strength and urging to do the right thing! And Lord, I pray that You’ll give Meagan and i the supernatural strength and wisdom to deal with Mia the right way! I love You.

Tags: discontent, Mia, parenting, struggles