Broken Parenting

I apologize and ask for forgiveness from my children... a lot.  I realize this may not be the most popular style of parenting.  But, you see, I mess up... a lot.  I can be short, ill-tempered, my tone some days is anything but pleasing, I'm angry, impatient...  Sometimes I dole out consequences based on wrong information, and there are times when I'm harsh and I stir up anger in my children.  I could go on and on (and my children could add to that list, too).

But, you see, the thought often flashes through my mind, We are broken people raising broken people. I am full, full of sinful, messed up behavior.  To ask my children to think differently would be a flat out lie, and I'm pretty sure they would have caught on by now anyway.  Not only that, my behavior I know causes a rift, hopefully only temporarily, between us.  I simply don't want that to be permanent.  Who can mold a child's heart that is hardened?

So if I'm broken, well then, they are broken, too.  And it is my hope that I can parent them the way I see God parenting me...  Recognizing their weaknesses and slowly, patiently helping them gain victory over them, rather than barking out orders with no instructions. I've tried it the no instructions way... Let me save you the trouble; it doesn't work.

I'm thankful my God recognizes that change takes time.  I'm thankful that He is patient with me and that He forgives easily and ultimately. I'm thankful He created us to be children first... With childlike faith forgiving easily.  God knows I need it.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9