When Our Children Disappoint Us

When our children disappoint us

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.  1Peter 4:12-13 (NASB)

God’s timing is amazing…..I was searching for comfort this morning as news that no parents wants to hear was heard yesterday…there are many,  different kinds of news that a parent hears from or about their children that can bring a blow right to the heart.  The news I received yesterday was just that.  The above verse is what God lead me to this morning as I was searching the internet for some answers for the dilemma my son will face along with those that love him.  I was not searching for Biblical answers more on the legal side……however God lead me to a website of comfort and encouragement along with the verse above.  The site is called Speak Up For Hope…..it was created by the parents of Jason Kent, a military officer charged with murder in 1999. The book his mother wrote is called “When I Lay My Isaac Down.”  I have not read it but have heard it’s a story every parent can find comfort and encouragement by reading this one.  (I will be buying my copy, one I should have purchased years ago)

 No my disappointment has nothing to do with murder, nor will he face prison time however it does not matter what we are facing as parents when our children make wrong choices it affects us all.  We often feel alone and some of us find ourselves facing the heartache and pain without the support of others.  I have found God’s comfort to be all there is at times.  I do not believe well meaning family members and friends intend to cause more heartache and pain for us……they simple do not have the ability to relate to what we are going through.  God has comforted me through many trials and when I have cried out for help and became angry because no one seems to care.  He gently guides me to His word and I find comfort there.  One way I find comfort is in the helping and encouraging of others.  So I will end with another verse that is dear to my heart.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God of all our comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. for just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

I want to encourage everyone to open their hearts to anyone going through trials in their life…..sometimes that person just needs a listening ear and you may just be the person God has placed in their lives to listen…..not to fix or provide answers……to simply just listen.

"Our Boys"

This was written by my Grandma Jones when my dad went off to World War II. It could have just as easily been written about our boys today, my son, my niece and others.  Hope you enjoy and May God Bless you with only the peace and strength He can provide.

"Our Boys"

It seems such a short time they were with us,
these boys who have gone away.
They have gone to fight for our freedom,
these boys whom we honor today.

Only yesterday we held them to our breast
and thought of the years ahead.
How we planned each day for their future
as we tucked them asleep in their beds.

We taught them their first faltering footsteps
holding on to their wee little toys,
And with thoughts that were too deep for utterance
we thanked the dear Lord for our boys.

School days were then full upon us
as we bid them good-bye at the door
It was then they felt so grown up
and we must not hold the hands anymore.

But their school days were then scarcely over
when our hearts seemed to burst in two.
For along with many thousands who had answered
Uncle Sam called for our boys too.

Our first thought was "No, you can't have them
they are ours and we love them so much."
But they said, "It's to fight for freedom,
home and love and democracy and such."

And today as we meet here we love them
and we are so proud of our boys
Who never shirked when duty called,
as they left home and loved ones and joys.

And now we pray, God to bless them,
with courage as they face every day.
Stand beside them to comfort and guard them
from all harm our boys who have just gone away.

(This was written while Edward and numerous other boys from the church were in the service during World War II).

- Calista Jones-