Am I setting a positive example as a parent?
Proverbs 22:6:
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
For parents, especially first-time ones, raising a child is tough. It is even harder when you are raising them for the Lord. Every day brings new struggles. From the moment they are born, you worry about keeping them safe and healthy. Feeding, changing diapers, and getting them to sleep becomes a routine, but it is still exhausting. As they grow, you face different challenges. You want to provide for them, but money is tight. You work hard to support them financially as they go to school, buying clothes, books, and paying for activities.
Yet amidst the daily grind of parenthood, there is a deeper concern that often plagues parents:
Are you setting a positive example for your child? Are you instilling in them the values of kindness, compassion, and integrity that are central to your faith?
Even as a parent, you strive to do your best, but you are only human. There are times when you argue and raise your voice at your spouse, letting frustration get the better of you. You know it is not the best way to handle conflicts, but in the heat of the moment, emotions can take over. You also acknowledge that you are not always making the best decisions for your family. Sometimes, you give in to selfish desires or act impulsively without considering the consequences. You recognize that you are prone to sin and imperfection, just like everyone else.
These moments of weakness weigh heavily on your mind, especially when you think about their impact on your child. You worry about the example you are setting for them and how your actions may shape their understanding of right and wrong. Will they learn to emulate your behavior, even the parts you are not proud of?
Joseph and Mary, like any parents, had their shortcomings. While they were chosen by God to raise Jesus, they were still human and prone to mistakes. For example, there were instances where they faced challenges in understanding Jesus' divine nature and purpose. In the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without their knowledge, they were distressed until they found him in the temple discussing with the teachers. This incident suggests that they may not have fully grasped the extent of Jesus' mission at times.
Similarly, Abraham and Sarah, though revered for their faith, also had shortcomings as parents. After the birth of their promised son, Isaac, tensions arose between Sarah and Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. Sarah, being Isaac's biological mother and the wife of Abraham, may have favored Isaac over Ishmael, leading to feelings of resentment and division within the family.
You may have your moments of failures as a parent, but it is important to learn from them.
By acknowledging your mistakes and striving to be better, you set a positive example for your child. Showing them that you are willing to grow and improve teaches them valuable lessons about resilience and humility. Remember, nobody is perfect, but it is the effort to do better that truly matters. Keep moving forward, and know that your dedication to being the best parent you can be will make a difference in your child's life.
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Have I done enough to earn God's forgiveness?
