The story of Isaac’s near sacrifice from Genesis 22 has a nice, happy ending for everyone except Isaac’s mom, Sarah. Can you imagine the emotions she felt when she learned what almost happened to her treasured son on top of Mount Moriah? (At the hand of her husband, no less!) I am sure her emotions swung from terror, to anger, to frustration, to relief.
I doubt that Abraham filled Sarah in on all the details of their expedition before he left with Isaac. I could be wrong, but I bet he said something like, “Isaac and I are going camping.” Then off they went . . . three days up the mountain and likely three days down, and Sarah was left at the bottom to wait and worry.
But Abraham was being a good parent the whole time. Most importantly, Abraham was obeying God while he parented. We don’t have any indication from Scripture that God revealed His commandment to sacrifice Isaac to Sarah, only to Abraham. So while Abraham trusted God, Sarah had to make the choice to trust her husband.
There is an application in this story that may be a hard takeaway for some of us as we mother. I’ll admit that is for me. Are you ready for it? Drum roll, please . . .
Part of holding your children loosely is letting go of the reins and letting your husband parent.
Yes, I do know how he dresses them when he is in charge. Yep, I am well aware that a dad’s prerogative is to parent a little more “loosely” than most mothers do. But the fact remains that a father is just as important in the parenting equation as a mother. Refusing to give up control to allow your husband to make decisions for your kiddos, especially when they go against your own, doesn’t help him confidently parent, and it doesn’t help your kids learn to respect his authority in their lives.
This principle applies to other people in your child’s world. For example, grandparents get the unique role of being “grace givers.” They don’t have to enforce the “law” as strictly as you do. But having someone love them unconditionally without regard for chore charts and grade cards is a gift to your child. So let your parents and grandparents do things their way with your children (as long as your child is safe, of course), and let them eat cake for breakfast if that is what has been negotiated.
No one knows your child like you do, but you are not the only one with the power to make a difference in his/her life. Sometimes it is your job to obey God as you parent and sometimes it is your job to trust the ones whom God has brought into your child’s life.
Action Step: Show some love.
Grab some “just because cards” and write notes of appreciation to your husband as well as your child’s grandparents, if applicable. You don’t have to concede that you would do things their way, but you can thank them for the unique ways they are influencing your child for good.
A Mom’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for all of the people who love my child. Help me to see the unique ways they help him/her grow and mature. Help me to let go of my need to control and trust others as they trust You.
