Endurance

Today was a better day. The weather was milder, the sun was shining, the sky was clear and blue. We decided to only have our trio ski a half day. Better conditions + more realistic expectations equalled success.

But I learned a couple of important lessons that have little to do with skiing and more to do with life. I almost didn't make P go to ski school today. He really did not seem to enjoy it yesterday. The gear, the weather, the strenuous activity were a combination that was proving deadly to his little attitude. I felt guilty for pushing him--even though I knew he would likely enjoy it if he gave it a chance.

I am all for life lessons. I want children who can push through hard moments and emerge feeling victorious and stronger on the other side. This morning I was just tired of the drama that was involved in getting him geared up and ready for lessons. P wasn't begging not to go, he was just very whiny and uncooperative. I was, frankly, frustrated and tired of pushing. I wanted to be on vacation--for things to feel free and easy. I didn't want to argue.

As I lamented to my husband about our children's need to learn endurance and perseverence, it occurred to me that it was a lesson I struggle with too. Anybody can do the fun, easy things. It is not hard to find folks who will travel the path of least resistance, but throw in a little complication or discomfort, a few obstacles or challenges and it is a whole different ballgame.

It is true in so many aspects of life: friendship, ministry, marriage,parenthood. We are tempted to believe that if it isn't easy it must not have been meant to be. I am guilty of falling prey to this lie. This is not Biblical. Quite the opposite seems to be true.

“...knowing that suffering produces endurance; and endurance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4 NIV

I think it especially challenging as a parent to make your children do hard things (especially when they don't seem necessary) Our nature is to want to protect them and provide for them. We cannot be so blinded by the short term goal of their momentary happiness that we miss the opportunities we are given to work on the foundation of character that will lead to their long-term well-being.

P's endurance challenge today was toughing out ski school. My challenge was standing my ground in encouraging him to give it a good shot with a positive attitude. A couple of times I peeked in at how he was doing. He didn't always look happy. I had to persevere through my parental guilt that I was somehow harming my child by encouraging him to do something he didn't want to do.

When I picked him up after lunch he was sincerely smiling. He was relaxed, happy and possessed a new confidence as a result of mastering the bunny slope. He wants to ski tomorrow. P was better as a result of being lovingly (and prayerfully) pushed. I was better for it too.

Tonight I found this passage and it seemed like a beautiful prayer for Moms everywhere:

"We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you..."
Colossians 1:10-12a The Message

He has qualified you and as you seek Him, He will equip you with wisdom, understanding, endurance and patience. What a promise!