A Praying Parent

Well at about 2:30 today I realize that today is the first day of swim lessons. I had it on the calendar for next week, but I was excited that we were going to get out of the house today. All the boys were already matching....which is pretty rare these days! I excitedly told Harper that he was going to see Cooper today because we were going to swimming lessons. That was the beginning of disaster. He began to complain and tell me that he did not want to learn to swim and would not be going to swim lessons. I tried to talk him through it and emphasize safety on the boat, at pool parties...etc...not to mention the fact that I really want a pool in our backyard!! He wouldn't have it. I put forced his swim suit on and off we went. It immediately started raining..Did I mention I was talking all the kids solo to the rec center with only a double stroller?

I call my mom and ask her to pray that this would go well...and I continued to pray the entire way there. Well Harper was excited to see Cooper, but informed me that he would not be getting in the pool. Fortunately Cam showed up to help out. He witnessed our frightened boy and was able to strongly encourage him to participate. Harper cried for the first 10 minutes and then sat on the edge of the pool. To say that I was frustrated would be an understatement. We have been in Mexico for SEVEN days swimming everyday!!!

So tonight I am heavy hearted. Did I handle the situation right? Should I just drop out? What words do I use to encourage him to try? As I was putting the littles to bed I came across The Power of a Prayer Parent by Stormie Omartian. I think I received the book when I had Harper. I remember reading bits and pieces of it, but never finished.

I had a mom who prayed for me and encouraged me. I know it makes a difference and it is how I make/made it through life! I feel my mother's prayers for me everyday and I am so appreciative of her being so selfless and spending countless hours in intercessory prayer. I wish one day to be half the mother that she is. So tonight I am beginning to pray for my boys specifically and to turn to the Father and place every detail of the boys life in His loving and capable hands.

I found this article in the book, not sure where it came from...most likely from my mother.

"I prayed for this child..now I give him to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28

Lord, help me to give my children the best-not of things, but of myself, cherishing them on good days and bad, theirs and mine. Teach me to accept them for who they are, not just for what they do: to listen to what they say, if only so they'll listen to me; to encourage their goals, not mine. Let me give them a home where respect and integrity are cornerstones, and there's enough happiness to raise the roof. May I give them the courage to be true to themselves; the independence to take care of themselves, and the faith to believe in You. May I discipline them without demeaning them, demand good manners without forgetting my own, and let them know they have limitless love no matter what they do. Let me feed them properly, clothe them adequately, and have enough to give them small allowances-not for the work they do, but the pleasure they bring. Let me be moderate in all these things, so that the joy of getting will help them discover the joy of giving. See that their responsibilities are real but not burdensome, that my expectations are high but not overwhelming, and that my praise is thoughtful and given when it is due. Help me to teach them that excellence is work's real reward. And when it comes-let me revel in each honor, however small, without once pretending that it's mine- my children are glories enough. Above all, let me ground them so well in Your truth that I can let them go. In Jesus' name, Amen!