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Parenting

There is perhaps nothing on earth more terrible than to see your child suffer. Nothing.

One might be led to think that one would rather take that suffering upon one's self, rather than see the child suffer. And surely, if such a thing were possible, it would happen all the time.

Alas, it cannot be the case! Alas!

So, how does one act in the times when one's child is suffering? You want to be strong for your child, showing a faithful and stalwart appearance, even though you may be dying a little inside. Easier said than done. How can you appear strong when you feel like your whole world is coming down, like a set after a play is disassembled and pushed into a corner, forlorn, broken, and forgotten?

There is some solace in the thought that people learn compassion through the things they endure. But that solace really only is beneficial after some time has elapsed. Until then, it rings hollow and is unsatisfying.

Why do children have to suffer?

Maybe this is a part of what our Heavenly Father felt while He watched His Son in the Garden and on the Cross. Maybe this pain is what I need to learn, as well. Maybe.

Oh, but it is bitter... So bitter! Full of pain and anguish of soul!

I don't know.

I don't know.

Comments

lillysmum said…
It's terrible when your little ones suffer. Absolutely terrible. I have had to endure it on a couple of occasions and yes, you are right, one would absolutely take the suffering onto oneself were it possible. It's such a sorrowful thing, and it is hard to remain strong and compassionate for the child when you only want to fall apart yourself. That's when you sneak away for a minute, fall apart and cry your little cry, then dry your eyes and return to being the strength for the child. It's what we do.
June 29, 2015 at 9:17 AM
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