Parenting is a Team Sport

I have just started an online daily devotion entitled "Parenting by Design" through YouVersion (the Bible online).  Even though my children are grown, these devotions make me think about what kind of a parent I was and am.  I still learn a little something new everyday...imagine that!

Do you sometimes feel that you are doing this parenting thing all alone?  Are you far away from family?  Do you and your spouse have differing ideas on how to parent?  All of these things can lead to a lot of frustration and stress in your marriage and family.

In the world today being a parent is not an easy task.  It has changed so much since I was a little girl and even since my children were young (basically your age).  There are so many worldly things to distract you from what you want for your child.  The world in general has stepped away from God's plan for families.  With all the outside forces trying to grab your attention and all the many activities that we try to get our children involved in we forget to take time for what is most important...raising our children in the Lord.  Parenting is certainly not for cowards!

From my devotion this morning: 

Parenting is a team sport. When you and your spouse are "of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus," you can make the kind of parenting decisions that are best for everyone in the family. The Bible verses below are a helpful prayer for parents. With the aid of the Holy Spirit, the result will be appropriate choices, great consequences, and the empathy necessary to deliver both. By praying and seeking God's will together, you and your spouse (or friends) can with "one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Each spouse can learn something from the other. Single parents can learn from friends who are parents. When you talk about difficult parenting situations and pray together for guidance, you glorify God.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Romans 15:5-6

You are not in this alone!  God is on your team and walks by your side every day!  Put together your team...first with your spouse or if you are a single parent with other people who you trust and who are important in your children's lives.  May God bless your journey as your raise your children in HIM!