Signora Sheila

As parents, it hurts to see our children or grandchildren go through difficulties, doesn’t it? And if you’re like me, you want to fix all their problems. Kiss their wounds and make them better just like we did when they were little.

But when serious trials come it’s not so easy. We can’t make things like unemployment, poor health, or marital problems disappear with a kiss. And it weighs on us as parents.

Even after praying and praying, I long to snap my fingers, find the right answers, and fix everthing.

I try to be the Fix-it Mom

Until the Lord reminds me that it’s not my job to fix it – but His. So forgive me, Lord, for wanting to be the Fix-it Mom.

Forgive me, Lord, for trying:

1. To prevent all their difficulties

I will never be able to keep my kids and grandkids from having to face trials.

So help me to remember that you use are using them to build their faith and trust in you.

2. To provide for all their needs

It’s okay to help my kids even as adults, but I can’t always be their provider.

Thank you, Lord, that You use hardship to build their character. Remind me that You’re teaching them gratitude, contentment, patience, and living within their means.

3. To always bail them out

It’s not up to me to fix all their mistakes or bad decisions.

You use their mistakes to teach them important things like diligence, responsibility, and self-control. So help me, Lord, not to interfere with what you’re doing.

4. To fix all their problems

Our childen will encounter trials and troubles throughout their lives. We can’t (and shouldn’t) always be there to prevent or fix them. Only God can do that.

So Lord, help me see that you are using their difficulties to mold them and make them more Christ-like.

Forgive me Lord, for not trusting you enough to care for my loved ones. Help me to place them in your more than capable hands.

We are not called to be fix-it moms

We are not called to be fix-it moms, but to entrust our loved ones to God’s everlasting care.

It’s right and proper to help our loved ones in times of trial and difficulty. But only after praying to see it’s God’s will. It’s often better to leave it all in his hands.

By trying to always be Fix-it Moms, are we trying to take the Lord’s place in their lives? When He alone can be their everything?

Our children do not belong to us, but are entrusted to us by God. He holds them in His eternal care. He is with them when we cannot be. He knows how best to teach, challenge, change, and support them. He sees their every need, and only He can meet them all.

And if God is working on their behalf, why should we worry and fret? Instead of trying to be fix-it parents, let’s become pray-it parents, praying all the time!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

📷 Image credits: hugging; mother & child