Is there any job more thankless, and at the same time more humbling and enlightening, than parenting? “Why do you think I’m doing all of this?? I’m doing it for you.”“Why do I even try?”“Instead of complaining, can you maybe just say, ‘Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad’? That would be so nice.” Deep breaths. These were the thoughts that ran through my head at least a dozen times the week prior. We’d just returned from our annual trip to Yosemite with some dear family friends. This road trip had become a beloved summer tradition and we’d always looked forward to it. We’d take in a small … [Read more...]
What A Dog Can Teach Us About Unconditional Love
Once upon a time I shared a gritty little tell-all tale about my earlier struggles in marriage and the painful but beautiful lesson learned about the difference between being “in love” and loving, actually loving, for better or for worse. Well, this past year a dog - yes, a dog - has taught me even more, about unconditional love. For those of you familiar with Mochi the toy Shih Tzu, you will be surprised, perhaps horrified, to learn that we’ve recently let her go to another family. Why? Because my kids were “in love” with Mochi. And I loved Mochi. But none of us loved her … [Read more...]
God’s Christmas Gift Has Nothing To Do With Naughty or Nice
I have a confession. This happened a few years back, during this same wondrous holiday season, when in place of peace and joy, I was feeling overrun, defeated, exasperated. Parenting wasn't quite "working out" the way I'd hoped. I was worried (apparently more than he was) that my eldest was running outta time to shape up and make the cut (i.e., Santa's "nice" list). Despite repeated warnings that "Santa is watching," the thought of falling on old Saint Nick's "naughty" list didn't seem to phase my willful child. I, on the other hand, was troubled. What's the point of telling kids that … [Read more...]
What a 5-Year-Old Can Teach Us About Grace and Mercy
Our youngest may just be the most rambunctious, tenacious, fearless and independent 5-year-old ever to have been born. (Ask the neighbors, relatives, teachers and coaches.) Affectionate, entertaining and lovable as can be, But wild and free to the Nth degree. Try to steer him this way or reason with him that way – you will see. (But wait. Does the apple not fall far from the tree?) So it took Son several months to get into a good (or acceptable) groove in transitional kindergarten, meet (most of) his teacher’s behavioral expectations, and dare I hope, even earn her good graces. But just … [Read more...]
Parenting, Hypocrisy and Redos
God hasn't been letting me get away with much of anything lately. As un-fun as it is to be "called out" every other day, I'm glad of it. 'Cause I know that Someone infinitely greater and worthier than I has enough interest in me to be working hard on developing my character. Clearly, this Someone is super (or shall we say supernaturally?) ambitious, and patient, to take Project Anita on. One thing He's calling me to do is to have more compassion and love for the people I find the most difficult, hurtful, irritating, or sometimes enviable, the ones I'd rather avoid or who avoid me, the ones … [Read more...]