Abby is almost 3 year old. I already knew from years in daycare that 3 is so much harder than 2. It’s really the Terrible Three’s not the Terrible Two’s. But sometimes, because of those years in daycare, I forget to rely on God, not my education and experience. I just rely on myself and what I think I know.
There are days/weeks I just want to hide in the bathroom with a tub of Vienna Mocha Chunk, wondering why parenting is just so hard and why I can’t get it better. Well, duh, I wasn’t including God in my parenting. I wasn’t asking for His guidance with my child. I was just going my own thing, going about life. How often do we just go about life and forget to include God?
When I am struggling with age, stage, or phrase, prayer is not often my first step. I turn to books, blog posts, articles, and friends. I’m usually looking for tried and true advice. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Seeking advice is a normal and natural thing to do. But shouldn’t my first step be asking God to help guide me with what I should do?
Then what about when times are going great? Do I remember to thank God for His blessings? Not usually. I typically just take things for granted. How is it that I am pretty good at trusting God with my finances but I just ignore Him in the good (and bad) concerning my parenting?
I am honestly so very glad that God decided to open my eyes to this flaw. Now that I know, I can allow myself to be open to His guidance with my parenting.
Do you have an area that you were blind to God in? How did He help open your eyes?
Brandnewmom says
It is so true that sometimes it can be easy to forget to ask God for help. I find this to be a daily challenge. Instead of getting frustrated I need to remind myself to say, “God help me”. Thank you for this-Brandnewmomblog.com
Julie says
It’s the “instead of getting frustrated” part that is hard for me. 🙂
Brandi Clevinger says
You are most certainly not alone. I have the bad habit of not asking for guidance until things get rough. I do thank Him daily, but do not ask for help. I’ll continue to learn the hard way.
I found your post at Fellowship Fridays with Equipping Godly Women.
Julie says
Nice to know I’m not alone. 🙂
Brittany at Equipping Godly Women says
Great reminder! I think it’s really easy to forget God in ALL areas of life==and yet we do need Him for all of them.
Katie says
Hi!
Anytime I find myself frustrated and overwhelmed with any situation in my life ( whether it be parenting, finances, etc.) I almost always realize I have taken my eyes off God and looked elsewhere for guidance. I keep subtle reminders (like a bible next to the shower lol!) To remind me to regain my focus. Why is that so hard for us sometimes? Thank you for the reminder!
Katie visiting you from Equipping Godly Women
Julie says
They seriously need to invent some sort of waterproof tablet type shower Bible. 😉
Tasia Boland says
YES! This has been my downfall lately too. With getting frustrated at the new stages with my kids and thinking to rely on my own ways and not seeking the ways of the Lord. Something I too easily forget! Thanks for the reminder! Your blog is adorable my first time cruising around it!
Julie says
Aww, thanks! 🙂 And yes, those new stages always seem to bring up the “relying on myself” issue again.