parenting – rootedbythewater.blog

Today I’d like to continue on the topic of stirring. Specifically what stirs you? What irritates you and prompts you to speak or act? There are so many things that stir people to react that it’s impossible to list them all. The level of maturity, restraint, strength, self control and compassion can dictate how you handle those things that trigger you.

Yesterday my son Joshua and I spent some time together. He is one of my favorite people. Since returning home from Arizona he has moved back in with us until he decides what he wants to do. We are savoring this time together. He has had some quality times with his dad but yesterday it was just the two of us. We got some subs from Jersey Mikes then got groceries. We talked about all sorts of things. We came across the topic of things that are annoying. It was kind of funny because dealing with people can be a huge test of character. As I listened I understood his point of view and I also took his age into consideration. When I was 24 I thought along the same lines. Amazing how wisdom comes with age. I told him people will be people. You can’t let it bother you. It’s best to just let it go. Sure it is annoying and yes it takes self control to not respond to it but we have to rise above the situation and let it go. Life is largely out of our control. We don’t have to let negativity around us affect our day. Just do what you can with kindness and move on. A positive loving word can go a long way.

So what stirs people? Why are people so angry, bitter,self centered and proud? Granted, I do miss a lot having low vision and hearing issues but I truly “see” people. I ask questions. I ask my husband things all the time. I ask him about peoples face expressions and things they say. I ask him about people driving along, what they look like, expressions and mannerisms. I’m just intrigued by human nature and how people respond to things. Behind every harsh look or bitter response there is a person who quite possibly is hurting and in need of grace and love. When situations and people make you angry think beyond the situation to what truly is the root of the issue. The Bible tells us in Ephesians‬ ‭6:12, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”(New Living Translation) Let’s let that scripture sink into our hearts.

There is more to be shared on this topic. Im going to meditate on Gods Word and see what he reveals to me. Stay tuned…..
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5:30 am October 29, 2021. Joshua and his friend Coleman heading for Phoenix.

Almost one week ago half of my heart left for a long road trip to Phoenix with no set plans on returning. He just said, “I will be home for the holidays.” While as parents we were and still are excited for Joshua. The whole point of raising children is so they can be independent. Letting go is such a struggle though. The first few days my emotions were a rollercoaster; happy sad, so so and sad again. I’ve always been a “hands on” Mom. The last driving day of his road trip I texted him to tell him I was saying extra prayers for an extra long day on the road. He texted me back saying “extra prayers yes please. Not extra texts,”. Knowing that he and his friend have reached their destination lifts the load and makes my heart feel lighter. He seems to be adjusting and happy.

Having an empty nest is a strange thing. It’s like I need to reinvent myself or find a new purpose Joshua and Ron told me to write another book. I told Josh and his friend Coleman they gave me lots of stories to write about but it would be counter productive. Josh said “ Do it! It would be a comedy!”. I said,” Not from a mothers perspective”. I do remember being that age though and sometimes experience is a very good teacher.

I’ve had some powerful times with the Lord since Joshua left almost a week ago. As I was looking in my notes on my iPad I came across one titled “On the Wall”. I had forgotten it was still on my iPad. When he was in his late teens we went though a rough patch with him. He stayed with his grandparents for a short time. While he was there we repainted his room so when he came home it would be a fresh start. Our friend Charles was doing the painting and I asked him if I could write scriptures on the walls first before he painted. Under the paint on Joshuas bedroom walls, I wrote scriptures that I pray over him. I put all those scriptures in a note on my iPad and revisited it this week praying the scriptures over Joshua again.

This week my scripture I am praying for him is 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:11‬ “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.” NIV

While he is on the other side of the country, I know God is right there with him. I’m so thankful for our Abba Fathers love for us. God is faithful always!

To read more about my story living with hearing and visual limitations check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. Available on many online retailers such as : Amazon, Barnes &Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Westbowpress.com.

Tag: parenting

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