Every year for Lent I choose something to focus on and commit to. Ten years ago, I committed to getting up early to pray for my husband who was baffling the doctors and incredibly sick. God answered our prayers in big ways, and shortly after that he was diagnosed with celiac disease and we finally were able to start his road to healing.
Last year, as Chris grappled with whether to stay in public education or not, I did a repeat and prayed specifically for him early every morning to know what direction he should head. Before Lent was even over, he had been offered a job at an amazing school, Forest Lake Christian, and he’s been there since the fall.
As I prayerfully considered what I should focus on this year, I quickly knew what to do.
We are in a rough season with some of our kids. For those who have raised teenagers, you know it’s not for the faint of heart. But add on substantial levels of childhood trauma, time in foster care, and eventual adoption, and let me tell you…there are some days I feel like I need to look in the mirror because I’m sure I must be black and blue from the emotional chaos and challenges of the day.
But nothing is too great for the God I believe in. And I have seen time and time again answers to my desperate prayers. And so, this year, I will be once again rising at 4:30 am each day to sit outside of each of our kids’ rooms and pray over them. I will pray for their friendships. For their integrity. For their protection, but also for their ability to handle the inevitable challenges that come their way. I will pray for humility and contentment. And most of all, I will pray for their future and for their faith.
Each of our kids is on his or her own journey, and it is up to them to decide what that journey will look like. Our job as parents is to provide a safe landing spot, a shoulder to cry on, guidance and direction, a place of trust, and as many opportunities as we can for them. Then, it’s all up to them.
Praying these next 40 days will open the floodgates in my kids’ hearts and that we will be able to look back and say, “Look what God did!”
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