Follow STC with Bloglovin

I’ve been given the task of writing an article on parenting…aaannnddd my daughter’s only six months old.  Clearly I’m an expert, right? Not!  So I thought I would just write about what I’ve learned in my parenting journey thus far.  I hope that if you are already or are about to be a first time parent or you have been a parent for more years than not and just need encouragement that this article resonates with you.

If you want to enjoy parenthood, you:

1. should implement behavioral changes if you struggle with selfishness and/or laziness because ain’t nobody got time for that! Hard work results in profit, and I’m not necessarily talking about money (Proverbs 14:23)!  Don’t you want the fruit of your labor to be sweet and not bitter (Psalm 128:2)?  Yet I implore you to make sure to season your life with balance.  It’s imperative that you take time for yourself and not get so hyper focused on being “perfect” that you lose sight of God’s grace and mercy.  His grace is sufficient, and His mercies are new every single day (2 Corinthians 12:9; Lamentations 3:23).

2. should know that if you consider yourself a Queen of Routine or a Princess of Predictability, you have already been or are about to be usurped by a baby that will poop (literally) on many of your “scheduled” plans.  I have had to learn to expect the unexpected and go with the flow.  Hyper rigidity can prevent you from enjoying the moment and your baby!  Attempt to maintain consistency in the moments that are not planned while improvising when needed.  It’s important that our children learn that sometimes adjustment is necessary.  How will they learn this if we don’t model it?  I’m not suggesting that you let your child or children run your life; I am suggesting, however, that you employ discernment.

3. should take care not to be consumed by earthly concerns.  Remember to store up your treasures in Heaven where moth and rust do not destroy (Matthew 6:20).  Clearly we have to live responsibly and pay bills, cook, clean, etc. but I find that getting bogged down by unimportant, mundane matters can be a real detriment to spending time with and getting to know God intimately.  This is how you gain wisdom, understanding and knowledge!  Proverbs 24:3 states that “by wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”  Strive to train your child so that he/she will not depart from what you teach him/her (Proverbs 22:6).  Live your life intentionally.

4. should beware of judging other parents!  Making judgments and saying things like “I would never…” is an invitation to the enemy to make you eat your words.  Steer clear of this tendency.  Strive for humility because God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud (James 4:6).  Also, if someone has offended you on behalf of your child, remember that God is your vindicator (Isaiah 50:8).  Pride is a nasty bug and you don’t want to catch it!

I hope you have found this article helpful!  Remember, I’m only six months in, so I could definitely use some advice!  Thanks for reading, and have a blessed day!

How are you parenting on purpose?

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Lauren

Lauren is a wife to an awesome man of God and a new mommy to a fearfully and wonderfully made princess! She also has two fur children, Hank and Lola. Lauren graduated from LSU with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She has been a writer as long as she can remember and wants to use her gift to glorify God. Lauren believes in the power of the Word and wants to encourage all believers with practical and biblical wisdom. Lauren is blessed to be able to stay home with her daughter full time! She loves to attend church, write, read, and sleep in her spare time.

Latest posts by Lauren (see all)

• 15 Confessions of a Christian Mom - January 19, 2016
• The Case for Faith: Objection #6 - October 26, 2015
• The Case for Faith: Objection #5 - September 28, 2015