Parenting is Hard!

Ezra is a kid that is full of passion. Everything he does he seems to do it with huge amounts of zest. He plays hard, sleeps hard, talks loud, laughs huge, wears his heart on his sleeve, and he loves wonderfully.
The last couple of months have been a little challenging. I don't know if it is Ezra's age or what, but he has been a bit of a handful. I know the move has been stressful for him. He has been having a hard time obeying. He likes to challenge our authority a lot and see if we mean business. Ross is really good at laying down the law and sticking with it. Ezra obeys Ross a lot easier than he does me. So, I have been trying to be a lot stricter and demand respect from him. Ross will be gone a lot for his work while we are raising the kids and I need them to know I am in charge when Daddy isn't home.
Anyway, trying to force Ezra to obey has been a bit stressful. I have found myself frustrated and exhausted by the end of the day. The Lord has been teaching me though that it is for sure time to be praying for my children and their wills. I have been praying first of all that Ezra chooses to live for Christ early in life and that he will never stray. I have also been praying that he would honor Ross and I and want to obey. Obeying us is obeying God. I have been convicted that I haven't been praying for him like I should. As parents we also need to pray for wisdom in parenting our precious children. Who would have thought parenting was so hard!? I sure didn't until I had a preschooler!
I have also been praying that I am reminded that Ezra's passion that he brings to all situation is a gift from God. This passion can be overwhelming sometimes, but I know he is unique and God has given him this zest and it is a gift that will be used for Kingdom causes.
Ezra doesn't know a stranger, he makes friends with everyone, and he loves so well.
Parenting is hard, but I am so thankful I have the Lord to look to for wisdom.
This picture is of Ezra eating a fork full of butter.