Wrestling with Gorillas
When I came to Sumter 13 years ago, my oldest two children were preschoolers and my youngest wasn’t even born yet. I remember well meaning people telling me to enjoy them now because things would get more challenging in the days ahead. I would smile and tell myself they were out of touch. What could more challenging than getting up at night with ear infections, potty training, and endless Happy Meals from McDonalds.
I found out having three was more challenging than two. I found out trying to force a first grader to eat school lunches was a bad decision. I found out the addictive power of television, video games, and Instant Messaging. I found out the fear that hits a Dad’s heart when the first boyfriend shows up. I found out how gut wrenching it is to see them drive away for the first time, having the freedom to go and do as they wished.
In no way has it been all bad. I found the joy of exploring the world on school field trips. I found playing Barbies can be fun (No comments please). I found contentment when a trusting child leapt into my arms. I found satisfaction in being a comforting shoulder on which to cry.
Parenthood isn’t easy. In part, that is what the prophets in the Bible teach us, what we have been touching on during Family, Imperfect. Even God struggles with His children. If God struggles, why are we surprised that we struggle.
What I have learned through all this series is the goal is not build a perfect family. The goal is to be more like our God – loving, forgiving, wise. That’s the key to having a healthy family.
Michael Smalley, son of Gary Smalley, is coming October 7 to cap off the Family, Imperfect series. He has titled his talk Wrestling with Gorillas. It’s all about parenting.
No matter how old your children, you can benefit from his message. You have friends who need to hear what he has to say. Please invite them. If we can’t train the Gorillas to be perfect, then we will need God’s help to know how to wrestle!
