Parenting a Perfect Picture

Parenting...A Perfect Picture

So apparently I have been a bit on the low, due to numerous factors, one major one being my soon-to-be four year old. After a wonderful talk with my mom on Friday afternoon and an unexpected visit from my neighbor, who then unexpectedly pushed Jonathan and I out of the house so she and her husband could have our kids for the night, and a wonderful dinner just the two of us and lots of time to talk...I am feeling somewhat better regarding Landon. I realize I am too hard on myself and on Landon...he does have some distance to go in the behavioral department, but we will get there by God's grace, and until then I need to do the best I can, but stop being so hard on myself, which comes out as frustration against Landon.

When Jon and I went out the other night, he said something very profound. We were talking about how parenting is such a great picture of God's relationship with us. We love our children so much, we would do anything for them. Jon was saying how he has so much he wants to give Landon (in terms of joy) and yet, so often Landon loses out on those experiences due to his behavior and choices. Isn't that analogous of our relationship with the Lord?! He has so much for us, and so often we lose out because we want things our own way. Parenting is so difficult at times and so filled with joy at other times. As a parent you can be so frustrated with your children and yet you love them unconditionally. I think parenting in and of itself causes us to deepen our relationship with the Lord simply based upon the fact that the relationship is played out in our daily lives, just on a smaller, imperfect scale. I have always struggled with accepting God's unconditional love and acceptance and forgiveness. As a parent, I am coming to understand how those things are possible, again on an imperfect scale.

So yesterday we went hiking again as a family. We found a GORGEOUS trail that was about a mile long up and down hills, ending at the lake. It was so beautiful and relaxing and fun. I am truly thankful for experiences like those. Landon was a very good boy yesterday. I needed that.

Megan just called and asked me to be in her wedding!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited. So come May...we are definitely headed up to Maine for a celebration to remember!

My neighbor dropped off a hay bale and mum sometime after midnight last night to surprise me with this morning. I mentioned in passing the other day how much I always wanted one but to spend money on it was not gonna work out (yeah..I know...$25, but it is a seasonal thing that will die and $25 will buy lots of clothes for the kids). I feel so blessed with such great friends. Seriously, you all are so encouraging and uplifting and my friends here are true and deep. I have so much to be grateful and thankful for...and I am.

Noah is sitting up, often taking nose-dives, but sitting up nonetheless. Try as I might to hold that kid back to remain my little baby, he is growing up. Last night I mashed up some bananas into his cereal. LOVED it. Crazy little guy.

So I have a paper due by midnight tonight. I have not started it, but need to rightthisverysecond. Thanks for seeing me through the past few dark days. Hopefully I have re-entered the dawn.