H a p p y M o t h e r s a n d F a t h e r s D a y !
Mothers and Fathers Day are wonderful opportunities to celebrate moms, dads, bonus parent-figures or friends who give love and support with parenting. After re-watching THE CHOSEN series, I began reflecting upon what it must have been like to parent Jesus.
We know Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, since Mary was with child through the Holy Spirit before their union (MATTHEW 1:18, 25). We also know that Joseph was a carpenter. Jesus likely learned the trade from his dad. At a young age, Mary learned that nothing is impossible with God (LUKE 1:26-38) and LUKE 2:19 gently reminds us that "Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart."
We know from the Gospel accounts that Mary experienced every emotion that we feel for our children—Worry when Jesus went off on his own to teach. Joy. Wonder. Pleasure when her son performed miracles and changed lives. Fear when guards took Him away for questioning. Anguish over His death.
Being a parent, provider, and caregiver is an enormous responsibility. And a beautiful gift.
Here are adapted prayers from forthefamily.org to honor and bless parents as we go through the stages and phases:
*Lord, give me new eyes. Help me see each challenge as an opportunity to train my children toward right thinking and right living. PROVERBS 1:8 says, “My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.”
*Lord, give me a new attitude. Remind me that any moment of the day can be a “start over” moment and a chance for an attitude adjustment. EPHESIANS 4:2 says, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
*Lord, give me a new focus. Help me to pluck any worries from my mind and place them firmly in your hands. PHILIPPIANS 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
*Lord, give me compassion. Remind me what it was like to be my children’s ages and have to face the struggles of growing up. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
*Lord, give me wisdom. Help me to see my children as who You designed them to be, instead of the images I have set up in my mind of who I’d like them to become. PSALM 139:14 says, “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”
We wish all moms and dads joyful celebrations—even though we know no family is perfect! All of us experience many hurts and disappointments along the way.
Counselors at CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CENTER are willing to listen and support you. Reach out to us at (203) 846-4626.
