What is your biggest fear as a parent?
I had to laugh as I read this blog post entry from about 12 years ago:
My biggest fear was realized 10,000 feet in the air. No, I’m not afraid of heights. I’m afraid of screaming babies on airplanes.
Every year, we head from California to Virginia during the summertime. My in-laws are terrific; it’s the plane ride that terrifies me. Instead of just cuddling up for a cozy nap, my one-year-old will push herself ragged until she finally snaps. After 30 minutes of pure screaming in the back of the airplane, what is a mother to do?
So my biggest fear is that my children will behave inappropriately, especially in public places!
When my husband James and I dedicated our daughter Noelle to the Lord in church, we chose 3 John 4 as her verse, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” We claim that verse for our children. We believe they will know and serve the living God. Instead of dwelling on the negative things that could happen with our children, we choose to meditate on the promises of God. Our children belong to Him. As parents, we are simply God’s stewards, entrusted to train them to obey and to love them with everything that’s in us.
So bring on the airplane rides…well, maybe not until Noelle is a little bit older!
Noelle is a middle schooler now and she does just fine on plane rides. No more crying, especially if the plane offers in-flight movies. The things we feared so much yesterday are sometimes no longer issues today.
Let’s remember that perspective when today we fear something that seems massive and impossible to overcome. Yet in God’s timing and with His grace, those fears may be a faint memory a few years (or weeks) from now.
The Bible commands us over and over to “Fear not.” Instead of being afraid of our problems, let’s shift that fear into trust in God. And also transfer that unhealthy fear to a healthy fear…the fear of the Lord. Fearing God doesn’t mean we cower in fright. It means we are in awe of God, overcome with respect for Him, having a glimpse of His mightiness and power.
Isaiah 35:4 says, “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3
So let us parent with confidence, for God is with us!
(If you need help parenting with confidence when it comes to screen time, check out my free video course to help ease your fears)
