I Hate Mom!

I actually really love my mom. She is one of my best friends and we talk almost every day, but back in the 80’s, my mom was parenting 4 teenagers and she was exposed to our foolish hate. Whether it was voiced to sisters or friends or carved in the dining room table, she was wounded by our hateful declarations.

This week, Pat and I had to lay down the law with one of our teens. This was not the first week that I got to read or hear “I hate mom!”, but it never feels real good. It was funnier when the words were delivered from a toddler who wasn’t allowed 3 cupcakes for dinner, but it becomes less amusing when it comes from a semi-adult. I know many of you cannot identify with this wound, but I bet many more of you can. We love to be loved and cherished and receive mother’s day cards telling us we are wonderful. Pat’s favorite coffee mug is his “World’s #1 dad” mug.

Almost every time I have to learn a hard “Mom” lesson, I also learn more about my Heavenly Father’s love for me. God has lavishly poured gifts all over me. My future and hope is so bright and beautiful, but when He says “No” to my petitions or teaches me through discipline, I pout and rant and don’t want to spend time with Him. I am guilty of acting like a petulant child who didn’t get her cupcakes. My Heavenly Father loves me so much. He has given me so much more than I ever dreamed of giving my children, and I know my selfishness and shortsightedness wounds Him.

If I love Him, I will keep His commandments (John 14:15-NIV) If I love Him, I will feed his sheep. (John: 21 16-NIV) I cannot love God and hate my brother (1 John . 4:20-NIV). I love my Heavenly Father and the thought of wounding Him breaks my heart.

The painful blow I received from one of my own this week is a reason to rejoice. Once again, God is teaching me His love for me by entrusting me with children of my own. Whether this lesson is persecution or a reminder of my own sin, it is a reason to rejoice. God teaches and disciplines those He loves. He is the perfect model for parenting and I am so beautifully blessed that He claims me as His daughter. Today is a day for all of us to rejoice and learn and look for ways to show Him how much we love Him.

Oh dear brothers and sisters, Rejoice. Our Father is quick to forgive and loves embracing you in is strong and unfailing arms.