“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Hebrews 12:11 (NLT)
I remember how, when our children were young, they would never go to their dad when they wanted certain things, but they always came to me! The reason was that I would always give in to what they wanted. Even as they grew older, I continued this unhealthy practice. It had to do with the way I grew up, not having a lot of things, and I wanted something better for my kids. Also, in our Cree culture, I was taught never to turn your back on family.
I didn’t realize how, even as they became teenagers and adults, I was hurting them by continuing to always give them what they wanted. It made it difficult for them to find their own way in supporting themselves because I was always there for them. Believe me, I thought I was doing the right thing!
It was only when God started to show me that what I was doing was more of a hindrance than a help to them, that I started to make changes in my thinking and my unhealthy way of helping. Today, it’s good to see how that change has helped impact the way they live their lives.
Learning to do things God’s way has been a lifelong learning experience for me as a mother. But it’s great to see our adult kids making their way in life, choosing their own careers, and passing that independence on to their own children.
Thank you, Lord, for showing me as a mother when my helping is actually a hindrance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
– Milly Jackson
Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.
Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org