How Parenting Changed My Relationship to God

When I first became a parent, I thought I had it all figured out. I had a strong faith in God, and I believed that I could be a great parent by following all the traditional Christian teachings. However, as my children grew older, I realized that parenting was much harder than I had anticipated. I had to learn a lot about myself, my children, and my relationship to God. Here are three ways that parenting changed my relationship to God:

1. Greater Appreciation of God's Patience

One of the biggest lessons I learned as a parent is the importance of patience. Kids can be exhausting and frustrating, but they also have a way of bringing out the best in us. Through the trials and tribulations of parenting, I gained a greater appreciation for God's patience with us as his children. Even when we make mistakes and fall short of his expectations, he continues to love us and guide us on the right path.

Quantifiable Example: According to a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, parents who exhibit more patience and compassion toward their children tend to have stronger bonds with them and experience less stress overall.

2. Deeper Understanding of God's Unconditional Love

As a parent, I have experienced a love that is truly unconditional. No matter how many times my children test my patience or frustrate me, I still love them with all my heart. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of God's love for us. He loves us not because we are perfect or because we always follow his commands, but simply because we are his children.

Personal Anecdote: There was a time when my oldest daughter was going through a rebellious phase and was acting out in dangerous ways. As a parent, I was scared and upset, but I never stopped loving her. Eventually, she turned her life around and became a responsible young woman. Through this experience, I learned that God's love never wavers, even when we are at our worst.

3. Increased Reliance on God's Wisdom

Parenting is full of difficult decisions. From discipline to education to relationships, there are a million choices to make that will impact your children's lives. Through it all, I came to realize that I couldn't rely on my own understanding to make the right choices. I needed to lean on God's wisdom and guidance to ensure that I was making the best decisions for my family.

Quantifiable Example: According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, parents who prioritize their faith in their parenting tend to use more effective disciplinary strategies and have more positive relationships with their children.

Conclusion

Parenting is not easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Through the ups and downs of raising my children, I learned a lot about myself and my relationship to God. I came to appreciate his patience, love, and wisdom in new ways, and I am grateful for the ways in which he has blessed my family.

Reference URLs:

• https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/fam-27-2-257.pdf
• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jomf.12507

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Category: Family & Relationships