Different as Night and Day
There are three "women" living in my house.
My two daughters and myself.
I raised them the same way.
Consistent.
Firm.
Filled with love.
Humor.
The grace of God.
And lots of laughter.
We listened to the same music.
We did the same things.
They have always shared a room.
They are as different as night and day.
It's crazy and at times completely exasperating.
Bookworm vs. Social Butterfly.
Alternative vs. R&B.
14 vs.18.
But, isn't it amazing as a parent how we can love these crazy humans that share our lives equally? Just because on one occasion I have more in common with one, doesn't mean I love that one any more than the other. And when I have to step in and referee ( and that is often ) the squabbles and radio stations, the clothes, the "she's had that ( insert item of choice ) all day," the it's her day to wash the dishes...and on and on we go...I would still do anything for these girls.
They have literally been my life and at times, the only reason I got out of bed. There were dark days of despair, depression and heartbreak, yet these amazing girls have faced everyday with me and as they are growing and starting to spread their wings, I find myself at a bittersweet crossroads.
I began to reflect on all we have walked through and I wondered how as a Father, God could have looked at His son on the cross and then turn away at the sight of His only Son carrying the sins of all of mankind.
I can't wrap my mind around it. I started researching that passage, and my conclusion is this:
Jesus could see Him too. Maybe God felt He had to be strong for Him.
As parents, we shield for as long as we can. We take the blows for our children, both literally and figuratively. Our "safety arm" still shoots across them as they sit in the front seat. (My mother still does it to me, if we have to come to an abrupt stop.)
I think any good parent will protect no matter what. The best example of parenting? Definitely our Heavenly Father. Look how He loves us. We are different in more ways than we will ever be alike. Denominations, races, worship styles, prayer, maturity and even our walk. Different. From Billy Graham to the homeless person that just gave his heart to the Lord in a shelter as you read this...we are so loved. So wanted. So part of His plan for the world.
Right now, the ladies in my life are in two different places. Literally and figuratively. The good news is, although they are so different, they are also alike. They are loved. They are brilliant. They are meant to do great things. Sounds like the family of God doesn't it. Looks like we're not so different after all.
My two daughters and myself.
I raised them the same way.
Consistent.
Firm.
Filled with love.
Humor.
The grace of God.
And lots of laughter.
We listened to the same music.
We did the same things.
They have always shared a room.
They are as different as night and day.
It's crazy and at times completely exasperating.
Bookworm vs. Social Butterfly.
Alternative vs. R&B.
14 vs.18.
But, isn't it amazing as a parent how we can love these crazy humans that share our lives equally? Just because on one occasion I have more in common with one, doesn't mean I love that one any more than the other. And when I have to step in and referee ( and that is often ) the squabbles and radio stations, the clothes, the "she's had that ( insert item of choice ) all day," the it's her day to wash the dishes...and on and on we go...I would still do anything for these girls.
They have literally been my life and at times, the only reason I got out of bed. There were dark days of despair, depression and heartbreak, yet these amazing girls have faced everyday with me and as they are growing and starting to spread their wings, I find myself at a bittersweet crossroads.
I began to reflect on all we have walked through and I wondered how as a Father, God could have looked at His son on the cross and then turn away at the sight of His only Son carrying the sins of all of mankind.
I can't wrap my mind around it. I started researching that passage, and my conclusion is this:
Jesus could see Him too. Maybe God felt He had to be strong for Him.
As parents, we shield for as long as we can. We take the blows for our children, both literally and figuratively. Our "safety arm" still shoots across them as they sit in the front seat. (My mother still does it to me, if we have to come to an abrupt stop.)
I think any good parent will protect no matter what. The best example of parenting? Definitely our Heavenly Father. Look how He loves us. We are different in more ways than we will ever be alike. Denominations, races, worship styles, prayer, maturity and even our walk. Different. From Billy Graham to the homeless person that just gave his heart to the Lord in a shelter as you read this...we are so loved. So wanted. So part of His plan for the world.
Right now, the ladies in my life are in two different places. Literally and figuratively. The good news is, although they are so different, they are also alike. They are loved. They are brilliant. They are meant to do great things. Sounds like the family of God doesn't it. Looks like we're not so different after all.
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