As fathers, how often do we strive to turn our own problems and situations over to God, but not be able to apply that same philosophy to our own children when they face similar situations? As Jeff points out, building our trust in God's Providence is a difficult journey, but each small step forward allows us to surrender just a little more while drawing us closer to Him.
"After reading the Trustful Surrender book, I began trying to apply it in my life. The more I applied it, the more peace I received. I found it easier and easier to apply it to the big things in my life, but a little more difficult to remember to apply it to the smaller daily things that seem to pop up. I would usually react as I always have; without thinking. I also had a difficult time trying to apply it with my children.
As a father, I have always been the type (like most men) that would try and fix everything. Solve the problem and move on. One day my oldest son came to me with a problem from school. I listened to him and then thought about it a little bit. I gave him what I thought was sound advise on how to handle his situation. I could tell by the look on his face he still had no peace. So we discussed it some more, and a second time, I gave him what I thought was some solid advise- but still no peace. I finally realized that I was not passing on to him the things I was trying to implement in my own life. I then simply told him that I had no answer on how to solve his problem. The only thing I knew for sure was that the situation he was in was the Will of God. I told him that he should pray for a resolution and ask that he handles this in a way pleasing to the Lord. We prayed about this together, and I could physically see the peace come over his face. Now my children certainly need my advise and guidance, but I have realized that they need it to be centered around prayer and in a posture of surrendering every situation over to the Will of God. This is still not always easy for me after a lifetime of trying to exert my will on every situation, but with prayer and practice, it is improving."
"After reading the Trustful Surrender book, I began trying to apply it in my life. The more I applied it, the more peace I received. I found it easier and easier to apply it to the big things in my life, but a little more difficult to remember to apply it to the smaller daily things that seem to pop up. I would usually react as I always have; without thinking. I also had a difficult time trying to apply it with my children.
As a father, I have always been the type (like most men) that would try and fix everything. Solve the problem and move on. One day my oldest son came to me with a problem from school. I listened to him and then thought about it a little bit. I gave him what I thought was sound advise on how to handle his situation. I could tell by the look on his face he still had no peace. So we discussed it some more, and a second time, I gave him what I thought was some solid advise- but still no peace. I finally realized that I was not passing on to him the things I was trying to implement in my own life. I then simply told him that I had no answer on how to solve his problem. The only thing I knew for sure was that the situation he was in was the Will of God. I told him that he should pray for a resolution and ask that he handles this in a way pleasing to the Lord. We prayed about this together, and I could physically see the peace come over his face. Now my children certainly need my advise and guidance, but I have realized that they need it to be centered around prayer and in a posture of surrendering every situation over to the Will of God. This is still not always easy for me after a lifetime of trying to exert my will on every situation, but with prayer and practice, it is improving."
This is the challenge for the christian. It is important to "begin" the process of surrender. This you have done. Congratulations! God's graces will carry you through. Thanks for sharing this expereince of your family!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and peace,
Fr. Vincent Esprit FMI