Parenting

Friday night I went to a really fun girl's night out. We went to a friend's home and ate (I made bracelets much to the chagrin of Nobody) and laughed and talked.

The later it got, the better it got. I love to laugh and have fun, but I also look forward to these times for strength from friends who know what I'm going through.

I was a little surprised when a good friend got a little emotional about the problems she's been having with her 6 year old daughter. This friend is an amazing mom. She has 3 beautiful little girls and I didn't know she was struggling.

I've been thinking about this since then. It's hard to share the problems your children have because you still love your children but when you share problems, even if it's just for the sake of getting comfort or advice, you risk jading the person you are talking to about your child.

And, I have one child I struggle with a little more than the others. But I love this child so much. My heart aches to have this child just know that our Heavenly Father loves him/her specifically.

I think we all have a child-- or more than one child, that we really worry about. One child who will be the trial that refines us. And, even if things look perfect, they aren't. For anyone.

But we try. We read parenting books (more than 50 to date). We pray. We ask advice from older women who have been through trials with their children. We fast. We plead with the Lord. We come to the realization that we would give our life if this child could just feel the love of the Lord. And have the peace that He gives.

And we go to girl's nights. To have fun. To laugh. And to strengthen each other.