Growing up I often was told to "offer it up" whenever I was experiencing pain. Whether the pain was physical, emotional or spiritual my mom taught me at an early age that I could use that pain to pray for others and to draw closer to God. She constantly reminded me to unite my sufferings to what Christ suffered, and to remember that where there is a cross, there is always a resurrection! Although, "offering it up" didn't soothe the pain of a headache, scraped knee, or broken heart, it did help me to feel like there was a deeper purpose for the pain, and that maybe my pain was even helping someone else.
I am so grateful that my mom taught me the value of redemptive suffering, and I pray that I too can model and instruct my children in the value of picking up their crosses in life and offering them to the Lord! I can't promise my children that their lives will be painless, but I can teach them the joy of embracing and finding freedom in the Cross!
I think I'll try that next time--along with the band-aid!
ReplyDeleteI do this, too. I unite everything with Him. What a world it would be if everyone did this. I am trying to teach my daughter these truths[at her level, of course.] May the Lord keep you tucked in His Heart!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean when you say "My heart shatters when they are in pain." Anyway, it feels like it's *going* to. I especially hate being the cause of their pain...i.e., denying them something they want. And yet I do it, because I know it's a lesson they need in life--the lesson of self-denial. I never thought I would struggle with this; I grew up without much, and from day one I intended my kids to do the same. Still do. But oh, it's hard sometimes!
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