Hang in there… you’re doing a great job!

Parenting is a tough job. There are long hours and it’s a job that comes with little feedback. Today, I want to remind you to hang in there because you’re doing a great job! Sometimes you may not see it. But, God does and He wants to remind you that you’re a great parent. Here is a story of how God reminded me.

One Saturday afternoon, I decided to take the kids to Culvers for an ice cream treat. We had some tokens to use for a free scoop of ice cream. It may or may not have been the best decision but I needed to get out. Jonathan was working all day, so it was just me with our four kids. I felt like a referee at several points in the day breaking up arguments. Each one of the kids had been sent to their room at one point in the day to calm down. It was time for a break from the house.

An outing

When we arrived, I began to question myself a little bit. Was this the best idea? Isn’t sugar going to make the kids a little crazier? Oh well, the decision had been made and I just needed to embrace it and have fun. We survived the time at Culvers without a breakdown which is always amazing with multiple kids. Towards the end, I was tired and ready to go.

As I gathered the kids, they started to act up a little bit. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. But, as we walked out a family nearby stopped us. They raved about how well behaved the kids were. This family asked the kids how old they were. As we talked with this family, another gentleman close by also complimented our family.

Honestly, I was a little embarrassed since this was hard to accept. Especially since my oldest two kids started to give each other bunny ears while we were talking. But, I was also grateful for the encouragement. God used these individuals to pour into me and remind me to hang in there. As we walked out, I breathed a prayer of thanks to God for filling me up when I was on empty.

Do you ever wonder if you are doing this parenting thing right? Hang in there…you’re doing a great job! Keep leaning into God. He will fill you up when you are on empty.