Dread

There is one enormous drawback to having seven kids... 

When one is having a hard time, it's as if my whole world is falling apart.  Thankfully, it has been rare that more than one is struggling at a time--a tender mercy I'm sure. 

I have been silent recently because one of my kids is having a hard time.  I don't dare share any details at all, but my heart feels like it's breaking.  I've counseled and counseled with this child, but to no avail.  I have to let this child face the consequences for the choices being made, but it's killing me.  It's the old been there, done that, didn't like what followed scenario.  Ugh!  It would be so nice to go through life as if it were a field of daisies, but this is not why we're here, huh?  I keep reminding myself of that, but it's not helping much.  I have to remember that God is as aware of my children as much as He is of me, and that there are tender mercies to be had for my children too.  I just hate the feeling that my hands are tied.  I just need to trust that He will help take care of this situation.  All I can do is pray.

I had no idea I put my mother through these kinds of feelings when I was a kid.  Wow!  How sorry I am now.