I want you to be free from concern. 1 Corinthians 7:32, NASB
The biggest challenge I (Teresa) faced in raising our children was trusting David's decisions. I thought I knew the most about child rearing because I'd been doing most of it (David was frequently away for business).
I was hesitant when David suggested that the kids get a pet hamster. I wasn't sure they were responsible enough, but he wanted to use the experience with the hamster to help foster responsibility. I also wasn't confident when David let Eric help with the gardening or when he gave Robin permission to go to sleepovers.
In time, God showed me that I had to release my children and my husband to Him. The Lord had to bring unity in our marriage so that we could have the freedom to raise our kids with the oneness God desires.
God wanted to free me from some of the concerns I had about our kids. One of the ways He wanted to free me from concern was to prompt David to be more involved in parenting. The more involved David was with our kids, the less alone I felt in parenting. But it wasn't easy. I had to learn to trust God and David.
I have to say my concerns about the kids were unfounded. The hamster did indeed foster responsibility. We even went on to purchase a second hamster. "Snoopy 1" and "Snoopy 2" were fantastic pets. Also, Eric learned a lot about gardening that spring. We had a few carrots pulled too early and a few tomatoes stepped on, but the time David and Eric spent together was worth every little mishap. Robin's experiences with sleepovers produced some of her most special friendships.
God removed my fears and concerns about my children because I trusted in their heavenly Father and in their earthly one.
In what specific areas of parenting do you need to free yourself to trust your spouse?
Lord, teach me to trust You and my spouse with our children.
