I am the “worst mom ever.”
My son told me so.
Just now.
And, he’s not the first.
His older sister has told me the same thing.
His younger sisters will, too.
I’ve even told myself a time or twenty.
The thing is: we have vastly different opinions on what makes me the “worst.”
I feel “worst” when I know in my heart I’ve been bad. Bad temper, bad mood, bad mouth. Angry, impatient, and uninterested. Those are my “worst” moments. And, I grieve over them.
My kids see my “worst” moments as the ones I know are good. The holding of ground. The determination of discipline. The expectation of respect. Moments I admit are hard. Very hard. But not my “worst.” Far from it.
Though today it doesn’t feel like it. We are tempted to believe that to be “liked” by our children is more important than to be respected by them. Obeyed by them. And, we are certainly tempted to believe it would be easier.
And, today, it probably would be.
But, this parenting thing is not about today.
It’s about tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that. In fact, it’s about eternity.
And, teaching them what is important.
A struggle today that may feel like a failure in our lives might bring a future victory in theirs.
Actually, I believe it WILL bring victory as they grow. Because “faith is being sure of what we hope for.”
So, if you ever have to join me at the top of the “worst parent ever” list, know you are not alone. And, look out from the view to the far future and believe that “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)