Read:
"I love my kids, but sometimes I don't like being a parent." Ever said that? If you have, you’re not alone, even if you’ve never heard anyone else say it too.
Maybe you've noticed you’re dreading the morning routine or feeling the “sundown scaries” as another sleepless night rolls in. Or, you’ve started counting the hours until bedtime because it means you can finally sit alone. It doesn’t help that, according to social media, everyone else seems to be thriving in parenthood, smiling through every moment. Guilt creeps in, whispering, "You should be more grateful. You should enjoy this more. Good parents don't feel this way."
Are you a bad parent? Is something wrong with you?
One of the biggest lies parents believe is this: if I really loved my kid, I'd enjoy every season of parenting. In reality, two things can be true at the same time: you can love your kids and be worn out by parenting.
Psalm 73:26 says, "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever” (NLT).
Those aren’t signs of weakness or inadequacy. They’re signs of your humanity. God doesn't ask you to fake strength you don't have. He invites you to turn to him when you're running on empty.
If you’re feeling exhausted today, if you're struggling to enjoy parenting right now, you’re not defective. There's nothing wrong with you. You're not failing because you're not enjoying this stretch. You are a loved child of God, in need of his strength.
Pray: God, thank you that you meet me with strength instead of shame. On the days I'm running on empty, be the strength of my heart. Free me from the guilt of not enjoying every season, and remind me that I'm your loved child, held by you even now. Amen.