Have you ever stopped to try and drown out all the noise going on around us? After a while I think all of the things garnering for our attention start to sound the same and we as parents are just left with this big pile of white noise, trying to sort out what’s real and what’s not.
I don’t know about you, but as a father of 2 Amber and I have struggled lately with what do do as the deadline for school restarting quickly approaches. With every different news station we get a different story on the pandemic, family members have different opinions and it just doesn’t seem like we know what to trust. We know that many might criticize us for our choices but that has got me thinking… why?
Why do we feel the need to analyze and poke holes in others choices as parents. After all, no parenting journey is the same. With all the white noise around us, parents don’t need any more back seat parenting. So today I want to encourage those who are parents: You’re making the right decision! What ever you’ve decided regarding school, interactions with friends and family, whatever you’re doing and have done to keep your family safe is the right choice!
Have patience with all things, But, first of all with yourself.” ~Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Francis is right! Give yourself a break! There is no manual for this, no way to know when it will end; take it day by day and know that we are praying for you!
To those that have already raised their kids, to those who don’t have kids please be encouraging. Offer hope and avoid trying to make a parent feel more anxious over a decision that is likely been very difficult. Let’s come together as a community and pray for our families as they prepare to go to school, daycare and for our teachers as they prepare to teach in a completely new environment. Let’s offer hope in a difficult time.
At First Church please know we are praying for you all!
Blessings- Pastor Joe