Eyes All Around

Everyone knows that parenting is not an easy job. While it is worth every moment, I think it is fair to term it a difficult blessing. What makes it even more challenging, however, is that as a parent I know that there are eyes upon me at all times. I am not even talking about my children's eyes. (Although those are on me too! Perhaps the impact of those little viewers will be covered in another post.) The eyes I am referring to are the ones watching me when we go to the grocery store, park, church, and out-to-eat. The ones that notice when my toddler stiffens his body in defiance when we try to leave, or observe my baby's shrill screams. They are the eyes that take notice of my responses and reactions, forming conclusions to a situation solely based on their short observance and followed up with assumptions.


I know about these eyes because I, myself, have been the observer toward other parents. In my state of pious conceit (before reaching such situations with my own children!) I was able to determine how I would've handled my children more effectively to avoid such a situation, or brought it to a more rapid, peaceful end. How arrogant I have been! I didn't know these other parents or the struggles they were facing with their children. I didn't know how challenging discipline is, or the daily internal turmoil you face about it. All I viewed was a quick snapshot of their life in an irregular setting.

I have not changed my views about God's word, or the importance of consistent discipline and parental authority. But I am taking time to reflect on the pride in my own heart. Life is not easy or without pain. Our children are cute little sinners, learning from big sinful parents. How could I think I had it all figured out before I'd even gotten to the grunt work? I am hoping that from here on out I will be filled with love and compassion for other struggling sinners. I don't want to form anymore conclusions or look down with haughtiness because I am just a struggling sinner myself, saved solely by God's matchless grace. As for the eyes that observe my every move, they also should receive love and compassion from this fellow sinner, as well as prayers to God that I would represent Him well in my words and actions with my children.