Parenting can bring with it so many joys and so many hardships - big and small. And I know that this is just the beginning of this journey for us as parents. Over the last couple of days, I have felt so much joy in the little things. I was so pleased to see Kirra's printing practice from school and see such improvement in her letter formation. I smiled one night as Jaret shared about his highlight of the day being a girl at school who he doesn't know, giving him a hug for no reason, and he flashed me that shy, little smile. A Starbucks Date with Kirra where we played the old fashioned game of Memory and then read a few story books in the teacup at Indigo. Jaret showing such diligence and willingness in practicing his spelling, Bible verse, and then reading. Kirra singing songs she learned at pre-school as she coloured one afternoon. Jaret's excitement over getting to have a pj day at school with a movie time. These are the small moments that happen day in and day out. These are moments that could be so easily overlooked. And honestly, when I was a working mom, I may have overlooked these moments regularly. I am so grateful for this time where I can be more present because I have chosen to slow down and focus on my family.
And then there are the hardships that also happen when parenting that can be such a challenge. A meltdown from Kirra where she really just needed her space to cool down but doesn't want space. Instead, once she is out of control she decides she just wants love shown to her and to spend time with Mom or Dad. And honestly, when she has these meltdowns, that is often not the moment that you want to be spending time with her.
And tonight we had a moment with Jaret where he was showing such attitude and did not like the correction or discipline coming from Mom and Dad. According to him, we were being mean. I am sure as a parent, you have had these moments and they are not easy ones to face. We gave Jaret some space but then it was time for bed. I wasn't sure bedtime was going to go so well but in the end, what a gift! Jaret and I talked about our lowlights and highlights from the day. I prayed with him and especially asked God to help Jaret forgive, as he was having a difficult time forgiving Dad. He still wasn't convinced and so I talked to him about what the Bible says and then we read some verses from the Bible, including the following from Micah.
Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
19 You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
20 You will be faithful to Jacob,
and show love to Abraham,
as you pledged on oath to our ancestors
in days long ago.
~Micah 7:18-20
This verse spoke to him and yet he talked about how it is hard to forgive and forget. I told him that the Bible doesn't tell us that we have to forget but that when someone asks for forgiveness, we need to forgive, just as Christ forgave us and show love, just as Christ loves us. I reminded him that God loved us so much that he sent His one and only son to die for our sins when Jesus hung on the cross. I reminded Jaret about the unconditional love that God has for us, even when we sin. And I told him that Mom and Dad love him, even when we have bad days such as these. Jaret understood this and I could just see the anger he was feeling lift from him and a peace come over him. As he laid down, he asked if I would please hug him while he falls asleep. And he did so in a matter of minutes. So, even in the ups and downs of today, there were joys in the good moments and even in the difficult moments of parenting. And in this, I feel so blessed. I am reminded that this is what it means to be a parent - using moments like this to teach life lessons but also taking time to cherish this time of life and this day. There won't be another day like it as we begin tomorrow anew.
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