In our home, instead of Elf on the Shelf, we “hide Jesus “ from Dec 1–24. Each evening our grandson excitedly searches for Him. And some days, Jesus is right in front of his eyes—but he still can’t see Him.
And it hits me every time:
We’re just like that.
Jesus is near, present, and right in front of us… yet in the rush and noise, we often overlook Him too.
This simple tradition reminds me to Seek Him—because He’s always closer than we think.
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and exhausting journeys we can take. No matter how much we love our children, there are moments when we feel completely overwhelmed, under-equipped, or just plain worn out. As a counselor and fellow traveler on this road, I often hear parents ask, “How am I supposed to keep doing this when I have nothing left to give?” That’s where today’s scripture reminds us of a deeper truth: we were never meant to do this in our own strength.
God’s grace meets us right in the middle of our mess, our fatigue, and our fears. This week, let’s explore what it looks like to embrace our weakness not as failure, but as the very place where God’s power can show up.
Discussion Prompts:
Where are you feeling weak or inadequate as a parent?
How can God’s strength meet you in your weakness?
I just wrote this in my journal and thought maybe someone here might need to see it, you’re not alone…
I’ve thought more than once lately that I should be dead. Or at least broken beyond repair, drunk, addicted, committed to a psychiatric ward. The fact that I’m not is my testimony. The things I’ve been through break people. ‘I am a living breathing walking testimony.’ In my lowest moments I would fantasize about being put into a medically induced coma. I wasn’t strong enough. I was lonely. I forgot my Hope. I didn’t doubt God could but doubted 100% at times that I could. Just like Peter after he stepped out of the boat. But like Peter, Jesus reached down and saved me. What can I do but praise; forever and ever tell of the great things He has done for me, His child, the one He calls friend.
