The school year came to a close and, once again, I was scrambling to find the right summer day care for Jonathan and David. I was looking for a program that provides mental stimulation and a review of the academic year along with outdoors activities and a field trip. The cost was definitely higher than the city programs or the one the boys were in during the school year.
Getting Adam to agree on this comprehensive program that also teaches children Christian values was challenging. Even though Adam earns more money than I do, he didn’t want the additional expense. I had a deadline to submit the application to waive the registration fee so I submitted the application.
Even if I have to pay for the summer program entirely, I am at peace that they are in a day care offering exactly what I am looking for, including spiritual development. One major item checked off my to-do list for the summer.
Guiding Lesson:
Eve,
The “To Do” List never ends! However, signing up your children in a summer camp that has the right activities is checked off. Congratulations! Now for Adam sharing in the cost, it doesn’t seem like it will be checked off as you hoped. Regardless, you didn’t allow his willingness to join in or not impact your decision in choosing the camp that reflects your values and desires for your children. You are so clear and determine to provide the best for your boys.
You and I both know that you will have more and more opportunities to share in the parenting with Adam. I’m sure it is frustrating at times as you realize the different values you both have that lead you to different decisions and more disagreements. Have you thought of how to approach these situations? Do these situations impact the way your boys see their dad or how they see you? How do you navigate and remain the mother you desire while being honest yet not saying anything inappropriate about Adam? This is not easy. It is exhausting. . . isn’t it?
I’m sure you realize that there is nothing you can do that can change Adam or any other person in your life. The only thing you can do is change yourself, your attitude, and how you interact with him. I know that there is a book called “The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.” I read a beautiful prayer from that book that I’d like to share. I reworded it to fit your situation and I hope it helps you see and respond in a new way. Let me know what type of impact this has.
Love,
Grace
MissGuidedMom 