Parenting in the Storm

Making Camp
We drive into the forest and up the winding side of the mountain. Suddenly the sky is covered by a canopy of green and limb. We back our vehicle into a campsite. This is the tiny piece of state park we will call, “home,” for the weekend. I can feel the muscles relax as we set about the business of making camp.

In what seems to be record time the site is organized and the children are busy exploring the woods. It was in the midst of busy that I caught that Man of vows and year, I caught him looking my way and I could feel the smile. Muscles that feel unused stretch far across my face and the calm settles in around us. The fresh air is good. The work is good. Being together is good.

As he finishes hammering and tying the last pieces of tent to ground I hear a rumble in the distance and my mood shifts, sinking.  As the trees sway and the first little droplets start to drip the kids and I settle into the tent while Mr. Hubby stands guard under the eating shelter. The Forest Ranger pulls up to offer a storm warning and we prepare beneath the thin fabric to wait it out.

The Storm
The rain starts to pour drenching the ground and rushing water down the road. One of the kids starts to cry. My own fears begin to bubble. On the other side of the tent screen I can see Mr. Hubby’s concerned expression. His t-shirt has rain markings as he adjusts the ropes. Suddenly I feel a drop on my cheek. Brown-Eyed girl notices too and her eyes flood with tears. One of the boys is playing a game oblivious to the worry growing. Blue-eyed girl is quiet. Looking to my left I find her eyes focused upward, watching a few more drips drop and splash.

The storm continues to rage so I grab their hands. I ask them, “What did Jesus say to the storm?” Blue-Eyed Girl answers, “Take a Rest.” {I laugh} Brown-Eyed Girl giggles and offers, “Jesus told the storm to ‘Be Still’.” And we smile together knowing, that:

Even in the fear…God is here.
Even in the worry…God is here.
Even in our tears…God is here.
Even when we are alone and wet and battling it out…God is here.

I hold each of their tiny hands in my own and we begin to pray: asking for protection, peace and His calming. I ask that He would remind us that He controls the wind and the water. The fabric pitches and catches in the wind. Mr. Hubby checks the tarps and holds the ropes, adjusts the awning to allow the excess water to drain. {The stakes hold} And our God meets us there on the floor of a tent, as the storm rages around us.

Praying Over Our Children
I’ll be honest, praying over my children consistently and daily is where I sometimes struggle. It is difficult to be intentional in the time I spend praying for my family, that we spend in prayer together. This moment on the floor of the tent, as we pray together and as we sing songs of scripture together, I know we are learning as a family to seek first the kingdom of God. And I am grateful to have these little ones learning right beside me. I’m not too grownup to admit they teach me more than I teach them sometimes. It’s humbling. We are learning to lean into God when the storm starts to rage. He is the only one that holds constant.

I want them to know that Our God is the God of kept promises. Even when the humans around us disappoint, flail and fail miserably. Even when we as a family are forgetful or selfish. Our God keeps His promises. They hold firm. They stand the test of time and storm and doubt and fear. Our God is faithful to finish what He has started…

“When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, With your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.” {Psalm 138:7 The Message}

What prayers do you pray over your children?