What kind of Christian parent are you?I have three foster children in my home. It has been 10 years since I sent my own biological children off to become responsible adults. Whatever I gave them in the way of guidance, they were now on their own to put into practice. And they were ready, according to them. How fun it is to talk to them now to see how my guidance was put to use (or not!).Having this new round of parenting insecurities has proved to be challenging, to say the least. But one common thread flows through our lives together. We have God as an example of perfect parenting. I no longer have to do what every other parent does. I no longer have to be liked all the time. I can disagree and stand firm in my decision. I am free to love just to love. This is so freeing.I am not obligated to let my children go somewhere just because every other parent in the world lets their kids do it! I can fill requests by gathering information about the event, checking our family schedule and if it works out ok, make a decision based on what is best for the family. Kids hate this! No longer do I feel manipulated into saying yes when I really in my heart think no. We cannot manipulate God. We dare not allow our children to do it to us. I would love it if I was elected "the best Mom in the world all the time". But I am realistic enough to know that that is not what relationships are about. God allows us to be angry with what God does or expects, while loving us and being patient and unconditional. We know God will always be there for us no matter how angry we get at God.And, when those children God puts in my home, grow up and walk their own path, I can love them for all they have become. I can listen to their achievements with a joy knowing I did what God asked me to do. Whatever my part was in shaping their value system is a gift and whatever they do, good or bad, is their own interpretation of what I shared with them.Being a good parent is hard. Being a good parent without help and guidance from God is not an adventure I want to experience. As parents, we need to have the courage to say ‘no’ and the knowledge to let God guide us day to day. And one more thing, Prayer fuels us, the Word teaches us, Patience guides us.
