Date:		12-6-98

Subject:	A Parent's Cry

To Parents with Children;

I'm trying to be a parent (W.W.J.D.), and yet still growing up myself.
Jesus suffered all things, yet this area of parenting His own kids on earth was left out of the "Book". The early school years of raising children were hard at times and more physically demanding, but more straight forward. The years leading to adulthood are much more heart wrenching, … but necessary. These times are the most difficult of all (especially emotionally).
Yet, now I'm beginning to see what God has really suffered through and I don't think this process can be explained - it has to be experienced, somehow. Leading kids to adulthood means giving them more and more of their own choices and risking the consequences. But , this is just what God did for us!  He gave us everything, every step of the way. Then, after pouring in a lifetime of good things into us, he allows us the free will to love and respond as we wish. Each of us parents have to face up to the fact that our kids may not (even can not?) know and appreciate all the things (most were invisible to them such as prayers, finances, etc.) we've done for them. How many "invisible" things has/does God do for us each day? As each of our kids puts us through various trials and heartache, try not to take them so personally. Did you realize your mistakes added to Christ's suffering? Have we realized even a fraction of the times that our selfish choices hurt Jesus and spurned His love?

Kids, this is not a license for you to reject our love to build character in us. It really tugs at our hearts to tell you "no" when you don't understand. Our hearts are often pulled in different directions as we strive to love you by doing what's best for you. We don't know all, but we are learning how Christ agonizes over His loved ones. We are trying to love you as Jesus would.
Someday you will understand.

Love, A Parent